Imagine standing in a grand temple, surrounded by ornate decorations and wealthy donors, when a humble widow quietly drops in her last two coins. Jesus sees her act of generosity and reveals a powerful truth about giving that transcends wealth.
The Reading: Luke 21
World English Bible1 He looked up, and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury.
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2 He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins.
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3 He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them,
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4 for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.”
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5 As some were talking about the temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts, he said,
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6 “As for these things which you see, the days will come, in which there will not be left here one stone on another that will not be thrown down.”
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7 They asked him, “Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?”
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8 He said, “Watch out that you don’t get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is at hand.’ Therefore don’t follow them.
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9 When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come immediately.”
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10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
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11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
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12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake.
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13 It will turn out as a testimony for you.
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14 Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer,
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15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict.
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16 You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to death.
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17 You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake.
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18 And not a hair of your head will perish.
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19 “By your endurance you will win your lives.
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20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand.
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21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the middle of her depart. Let those who are in the country not enter therein.
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22 For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
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23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nurse infants in those days! For there will be great distress in the land, and wrath to this people.
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24 They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
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25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves;
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26 men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
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27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
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28 But when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”
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29 He told them a parable. “See the fig tree, and all the trees.
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30 When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near.
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31 Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that God’s Kingdom is near.
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32 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished.
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33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.
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34 “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.
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35 For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth.
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36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
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37 Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, and every night he would go out and spend the night on the mountain that is called Olivet.
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38 All the people came early in the morning to him in the temple to hear him.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
In this chapter, Jesus is in the temple observing people making donations. He notices a poor widow who puts in just two small coins, and he points out that her contribution is worth more than the larger gifts from the rich. Why? Because she gave everything she had, while they gave from their surplus.
Predictions of Destruction
As discussions about the temple's beauty arise, Jesus makes a shocking prediction: the temple will be destroyed, with not one stone left on another. This prompts his followers to ask when this will happen and what the signs will be.
Signs and Persecutions
Jesus warns them to be careful not to be deceived by false messiahs and reassures them not to fear wars, natural disasters, or persecution - because these are just the beginning. He tells them they will be persecuted and brought before authorities, but this will serve as a witness to others. He encourages them with the promise that he'll give them wisdom to speak in these tough situations.
The End Times
He then describes even more dire events, including the anguish in Jerusalem and signs in the heavens. However, amidst all this chaos, there's a hopeful note: when these things begin to happen, they should look up, for their redemption is near. He uses the fig tree as a metaphor - just as the budding tree signals summer, so do the signs signal the arrival of God's kingdom.
Be Prepared
Jesus emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and avoiding distractions that could weigh them down. He urges them to pray and stay alert, as the day of reckoning will come unexpectedly. The chapter closes with Jesus teaching daily in the temple while retreating to the Mount of Olives at night, where people eagerly come to hear him in the morning.
Why It Matters
Generosity Matters
The widow's story teaches us that true generosity isn't measured by the amount given but by the heart behind it. Even a small sacrifice can make a significant impact.
Understanding the Signs
Jesus's warnings about the end times remind us that we should be aware of the world around us. Life can be unpredictable, and being prepared spiritually can help us navigate through chaos.
Hope Amidst Trials
Even in dire predictions, Jesus offers a glimmer of hope. Our struggles can lead to testimony and strength, and the promise of redemption should encourage us to keep looking up.
Finding a supportive community can enhance our spiritual journey. Consider using the find a church near you feature on Sancta to connect with others who share your faith and values.
Staying Vigilant
Finally, staying alert and engaged in our faith is vital. We should avoid excess distractions and remain prayerful, as we never know when we'll face challenges or opportunities to witness our faith.
Coming Up Next: Luke 22
In the next part of our journey, Luke 22, we will witness the unfolding of key events leading to Jesus's crucifixion, including the Last Supper and the betrayal by Judas. Stay tuned for this pivotal chapter!