Luke 21:1-4
He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
So here’s the question: Is Jesus speaking words of praise or lament?
I know the default answer. Jesus is praising this widow for her “sacrificial” giving. I’ve heard the passage interpreted this way in numerous sermons – particularly during stewardship season – and have likely interpreted it this way myself.
But I wonder….
You see, just before this, Jesus told his disciples to “beware the scribes” who, among other things, “devour widows’ houses.” And just afterward he predicts that this whole Temple – the scene of the woman’s offering – will soon be destroyed.
I understand the appeal of the traditional interpretation – God cares about quality rather than quantity – as it provides a moving illustration for us to give (although I’ve never met anyone to actually match this woman’s gift). But what if Jesus is not taking a break from his usual concern for the poor to provide us with a quick stewardship lesson but instead is lamenting that we live in a world – and note that it’s a religious world – where we allow, even expect, widows and other vulnerable people to give so much of what they have and continue living in destitution. Should we not rather be giving what we have to end their poverty?
If Jesus is not praising this widow but instead lamenting her fate, than we need to ask several questions:
- How do we participate in reforming our church and society so that its steadfast focus is the same as Jesus’ – caring for the most vulnerable among us?
- How do we preach and teach in a way that doesn’t perpetuate inequity? (For instance, why do so many congregations teach “tithing” as if a tithe were not a totally different matter for the poor than for the rich?)
- How do we teach a sense of abundance and generosity that doesn’t depend on the sacrifice of the poor but instead recognizes that, according to God, we are rich only in so far as we seek to take care of all of God’s children?
I want to read Jesus’ words as praise. I really do. (In fact, my first draft of this post read it just that way once again.) But the more I read it the more I am convinced that Jesus is offering a lament, one that should wrench our hearts at this widow’s fate and draw us into action.
Prayer: Dear God, embolden our hearts to stand always with those who are vulnerable. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Amen!
You’ve put into words what I’ve been wondering about for some time.
Thank you also for your questions about the implications of such a reading!
There are more….
E g: How can we “use” this passage to coerce people (in my context it is often poor people) to give MORE to the church?
I like your interpretation and I go along with you 100%. I think the Church has not lived up to the teach of Christ as much as we should, especially in dealing with the aged, the young, the poor and homeless. This to me is s disgrace and not only the church in generals mission, but each member of the church. Thank you.