Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions.  For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”  —Mark 12:41-44 NLT

I’ve replayed this scene in my mind many times: a crowded temple, the cool shadows within the walls are a welcome reprieve from the hot sun beating down on the streets outside. The temple is a busy place—everyone is trying to get right with God. I picture the widow with her two small coins in her palm, cool against her weathered skin. Her bent posture makes her look smaller than she is, older than she is. Life has weighed her down.

I want to know this: what is she thinking?

What is going through her mind as she looks down at those two coins just before she drops them into the collection box? Is she making a bargain with the Lord? Is she sad? Hopeless? Or hopeful that this will somehow multiply her wealth (had she heard the story of the loaves and fishes)?

As I ask the Lord what is going on in her mind, this is what I “hear”: She is satisfied.

Satisfaction is not the most likely word to describe a widow living in first-century Palestine, but it is possible. How? Jesus was near.

Perhaps she had been coming to the temple and giving generous gifts out of her poverty for decades. And now Jesus was here with her. He had taught, “Blessings on the poor in spirit! The kingdom of heaven is yours. Blessings on the mourners! You’re going to be comforted. Blessings on the meek! You’re going to inherit the earth.”  (Matthew 5:3-5 NTFE). Perhaps God had given her the grace to experience such comfort, to live as an heiress to a kingdom greater than the empire, completely satisfied in Him. In her situation. In her poverty. In return, she gave her all to Him. What else did she need?

Lord, I ask for the grace to be completely satisfied in You. To hold everything in an open hand, willing to let go, knowing You are near.

In His love,
Jayna Venturini

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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