The story of the widow’s offering has always intrigued me.  It seems odd that Jesus is watching how much people are giving as their offering.  That seems a bit awkward.  It is funny when I think about how hard I try not to look around during the offering, so as to not even give the appearance that I am looking at what someone is giving.

Jesus makes a note, though, of the level of sacrifice that is made rather than the amount given.  I love how Jesus says, “she gave out of her poverty.”  That seems so amazing.  Who gives “out of poverty?”  Typically, that is when I hold on tighter.  There was a time in my journey with God when I remember thinking, “I will give to God when I can afford to do so.”  There is so much wrong with that statement, but the basic idea is to give out of wealth…out of an abundance.

The most amazing thing is that Jesus says, “She put in everything – all that she had to live on.”  What financial advisor would sign off on that?  But Jesus doesn’t berate her as being foolish with her money.  Jesus lifts her up as a model, as the one that is doing right.  In light of our weekend gatherings, she is “all in.”  She is not holding anything back.  She is not just an admirer of God, she is a follower.

Do you give (time, resources, abilities, money, yourself) according to your abundance, when you are sure there will be enough?  Do you give it all to God, recognizing it is all comes from Him?  Do you give trusting in yourself or trusting in God as your provider?

Why doesn’t Jesus give a “don’t try this at home” warning?  Why is she held up as the model and not the exception?  Does this seem a little too risky to anybody else?

I have read this at times as figurative, but why?  Because it makes me uncomfortable?  Probably…

Are you “all in?”