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Jesus’ Last Visit to the Temple
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minds of those who would otherwise have received a knowledge of
Christ’s kingdom.
You “devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long
prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” The Phar-
isees gained the confidence of pious widows, and then represented
it as a duty for them to devote their property to religious purposes.
Having secured control of their money, the wily schemers used it
for their own benefit. To cover their dishonesty, they offered long
prayers in public, and made a great show of piety. The same rebuke
falls on many in our day. Their lives are stained by selfishness and
avarice, yet they throw over it all a garment of seeming piety.
The Priceless Gift of the Poor Widow
Christ unsparingly condemned abuses, but He was careful not
to lessen obligation. Man’s abuse of the gift could not turn God’s
blessing from the giver.
Jesus was in the court and watched those who came to deposit
their gifts. Many of the rich brought large sums with great ostenta-
tion. Jesus looked upon them sadly, but made no comment on their
liberal offerings. Presently His countenance lighted as He saw a poor
widow approach hesitatingly, as though fearful of being observed.
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She looked at the gift in her hand. It was very small in comparison
with the gifts of those around her, yet it was her all. She hurriedly
threw in her two mites (“copper coins,” RSV) and turned to hasten
away. But in doing this she caught the eye of Jesus fastened earnestly
upon her.
The Saviour bade His disciples mark the widow’s poverty. Then
His words of commendation fell on her ear: “Of a truth I say unto
you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all.” Tears of
joy filled her eyes as she felt that her act was appreciated. Many
would have advised her to keep her pittance for her own use; it
would be lost sight of among the many costly gifts brought to the
treasury. But she believed the service of the temple to be of God’s
appointment, and she was anxious to do her utmost to sustain it.
She did what she could, and her act was to be a monument to her
memory through all time, and her joy in eternity.