The Widow with Two Coins – 10 Points for Bible Study

The Temple Treasury located in the court of women, contained 13 trumpet-shaped receptacles for contributions brought by worshipers. Key Scriptures & NIV Study Note- Mark 12:41
The widow, though extremely poor is described as one of the most greathearted people in the Bible. She dropped two copper coins, worth less than a penny. into the temple treasury. Key Scriptures & NIV Study Notes, W.O.B. pg 205
Jesus had earlier cleansed the temple of money changers (those who changed other coins to Jewish shekels) as he opposed the buying and selling inside of the temple. Matthew 21:12-13. W.O.B. pg 206
The teachings of Jesus is an emphasis in the book of Mark. Jesus models a lesson of giving in this display by the widow for his disciples. Mark 12:43 “Calling his disciples to him…”; NIV Introduction to Mark
The widow gave more than the rest and put in all she had willingly and lovingly. Mark 12:43-44. Willingness is advised by Peter to the elders of the church when he writes to them about being willing shepherds of God’s flock, eager to serve and not greedy for money. 1 Peter 5:2, W.O.B. pg 206
The others gave out of their wealth but the widow gave out of her poverty. Her giving was a matter of attitude; it was not the amount that mattered but that she gave ALL she had to live on. Luke 21:4; Guidelines for Giving, BibleGateway
When we are concerned about the amount we give to the Church, to the poor or to a cause; what we give pales in comparison to what our Lord Jesus Christ gave to and for us. 2 Cor 8:9; 10 Essential Truths about Christian Giving, Ligon Duncan III, Crosswalk
Money is the root of all evil is the misquoted statement of Paul who wrote to Timothy. Paul correctly stated the love of money is the root of all evil. Money is the root of no evil, nor is it an evil of any kind. Its the love of it that brings the concern. 1 Tim 6:9-10; Clarke’s Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:10
Giving to the needy is not something that requires announcements, trumpets and fanfare. Matthew 6:2
The lure of money can be quite enticing to all including Christians. It can block us from an intimate relationship with our Lord & Savior but Jesus reminds us in Luke 16:13 “…You can not serve both God and Money”.