Luke 21:1-4 – As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." (NIV)

My son loves waffles. He enjoys them each day as an after-school snack. However, this year during the Lenten season, he decided to forgo this treat. One afternoon, as we drove home from school, we discussed the meaning of the season, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, and what we were each giving up. "Mama," he said, "I feel like my sacrifice is small compared to the big sacrifice of Jesus."

I encouraged him that his sacrifice was important because he was doing it for the love and honour of Jesus, not because it was a big gesture.

The widow woman placed her two small coins into the offering at the temple. Jesus noticed her gift and praised her because she gave all from her heart. She gave with humility, unlike the Pharisees and religious leaders who merely gave to receive lavish attention.

We can bring our offerings to God with complete trust that our Father sees us. He understands that sometimes, we may have capacity for bigger gifts, while other times our giving will seem small. The Father simply seeks generous hearts and humble spirits.

As we anticipate Resurrection Sunday, our sacrifices are a heartfelt response to Jesus' ultimate sacrifice of Himself on the cross for our sins. He was our humble example, giving Himself for the salvation of the world.

Whether we forgo eating our favourite food, or give a generous financial gift, or abstain from other forms of personal gratification, we honour His sacrifice. We offer Him our gratitude, and we live sacrificially towards others with thanksgiving.

Prayer: Father, we bring our offerings to You with praise for what Jesus has done for us. Thank You for accepting our sacrifices, no matter how small. We are grateful for Jesus' work on the cross and the redemption given to us by it. In His name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Kathleen Dunlap <kedunlapco@gmail.com>
Arvada, Colorado, USA
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