Luke 21:3 - He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them,

Generated Verse: Luke 21:3

What does "Luke 21:3" mean?


This verse, Luke 21:3, is part of a larger passage (Luke 21:1-4) where Jesus is observing people putting money into the temple treasury. He contrasts the rich with a poor widow.

Here's a breakdown of what it means:

Context: Jesus sees rich people ostentatiously donating large sums, likely trying to be noticed and admired. Then, a poor widow comes along and quietly puts in two small copper coins (called "mites," which were of very little value).

"Truly I tell you..." (Amen): This is a phrase Jesus uses to emphasize the truth and importance of what he's about to say. It signals that this isn't just an opinion; it's a significant teaching.

"This poor widow put in more than all of them...": This is the core of the verse. It seems paradoxical. How could someone giving so little give more than those giving so much? Jesus isn't talking about the amount of money. He's talking about the proportionality of the gift and the motivation behind it.

Underlying Meaning:
Sacrifice: The rich gave out of their abundance, meaning they wouldn't even feel the loss. The widow, on the other hand, gave out of her poverty. She gave all she had to live on. Her gift represented a real sacrifice.
Motivation: The rich likely gave to be seen and praised. The widow gave out of genuine faith and devotion, trusting God to provide for her needs. Her motives were pure and selfless.
Trust and Dependence on God: Her act shows a deep trust in God's provision. She was willing to give away her last resources, believing that God would take care of her.
Value in God's Eyes: Jesus is demonstrating that God values the heart and the intention behind the gift far more than the amount given. He looks at the depth of devotion, sacrifice, and faith.

In essence, the verse teaches that:

True generosity is measured by what you give relative to what you have.
God values sacrifice and sincerity more than outward displays of wealth or piety.
Faithful giving, even when it seems insignificant, is noticed and honored by God.
It's about the heart behind the giving, not the size of the gift.

This story is a powerful reminder that it's not about how much we give, but how we give and the spirit in which we give. God is more interested in a humble, sacrificial heart than in outward displays of wealth. It's a challenge to examine our own motives for giving and to ensure that we are giving with a spirit of genuine love, sacrifice, and trust in God.

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