28 Cents
Scripture Reading — Luke 21:1-4
“Truly I tell you,” he said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others.”
Twenty-eight cents doesn’t seem like much—something you could probably find on the street if you walked a couple of blocks. But one day last week 28 cents became quite a lot. I was given 28 cents by a gentleman who lives on very little. He had collected his change so that he could contribute to helping someone else eat a much-needed meal. I accepted the 28 cents and vowed to myself that it would make a difference.
As much as the man who gave me 28 cents caught my attention, the widow’s offering at the temple may have caught the attention of Jesus even more. He watched everyone putting their offerings into the money box, but he stopped to comment on the widow. Perhaps what Jesus appreciated most was her attitude and her willingness to give.
Something else here should also catch our attention. Jesus made sure that everyone knew the widow’s story because he wanted to remind us that everyone has something to give and that every gift matters.
Sometimes people feel that the amount they can give doesn’t matter much and won’t make a difference because it isn’t very big.
What is important, though, is that Jesus notices—and that makes all the difference.
Dear God, thank you that we all have something to give. Help us to remember that you have designed us to work together and to share together to bring your love to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
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