Crazy Generosity. A poor widow goes to the Temple and contributes two small copper coins worth only a fraction of a penny. Though many wealthy people are dropping significant sums of money, none of those impress Jesus. He singles out the poor widow’s gift as the greatest: “This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44). I don’t think Jesus is rebuking people for giving some and saving the rest. I do think he is highlighting the faith and love that should motivate all our giving. The big lesson here is how God evaluates giving and generosity. He said the widow gave “more” than all the wealthy people. Dollar to dollar, that isn’t true. One hundred dollars is more than a penny. But evidently God doesn’t measure currency as we do. To God, the total amount is only a part of the picture. His greater concern is our motive – how much we treasure him! Jesus was aware of how much she had left (nothing). The widow’s trust and love for God was extraordinarily greater than her love for money. This is what God is seeking: people who give generously out of a heart of love and trust in God. Generosity is somewhere after knowing you have reserves in your pocket. If my giving does not adjust my living, I have not given generously. So put your trust into action and give in a way that reflects your value of God. He is leading you to be “crazy” generous. How does this example stretch you?

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