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J.C. Ryle
Arthur Vess
Favell Lee MortimerSummary
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- Adam Clarke
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The rich men casting their gifts into the treasury - See all this, from Luk 21:1-4, explained on Mar 12:41-44 (note).
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This short passage of story we had before in Mark. It is thus recorded twice, to teach us, 1. That charity to the poor is a main matter in religion. Our Lord Jesus took all occasions to commend it and recommend it. He had just mentioned the barbarity of the scribes, who devoured poor widows (ch. 20); and perhaps this is designed as an aggravation of it, that the poor widows were the best benefactors to the public funds, of which the scribes had the disposal. 2. That Jesus Christ has his eye upon us, to observe what we give to the poor, and what we contribute to works of piety and charity. Christ, though intent upon his preaching, looked up, to see what gifts were cast into the treasury, Luk 21:1. He observes whether we give largely and liberally, in proportion to what we have, or whether we be sneaking and paltry in it; nay, his eye goes further, he observes whether we give charitably and with a willing mind, or grudgingly and with reluctance. This should make us afraid of coming short of our duty in this matter; men may be deceived with excuses which Christ knows to be frivolous. And this should encourage us to be abundant in it, without desiring that men should know it; it is enough that Christ does; he sees in secret, and will reward openly. 3. That Christ observes and accepts the charity of the poor in a particular manner. Those that have nothing to give may yet do a great deal in charity by ministering to the poor, and helping them, and begging for them, that cannot help themselves, or beg for themselves. But here was one that was herself poor and yet gave what little she had to the treasury. It was but two mites, which make a farthing; but Christ magnified it as a piece of charity exceeding all the rest: She has cast in more than they all. Christ does not blame her for indiscretion, in giving what she wanted herself, nor for vanity in giving among the rich to the treasury; but commended her liberality, and her willingness to part with what little she had for the glory of God, which proceeded from a belief of and dependence upon God's providence to take care of her. Jehovah-jireh - the Lord will provide. 4. That, whatever may be called the offerings of God, we ought to have a respect for, and to our power, yea, and beyond our power, to contribute cheerfully to. These have cast in unto the offerings of God. What is given to the support of the ministry and the gospel, to the spreading and propagating of religion, the education of youth, the release of prisoners, the relief of widows and strangers, and the maintenance of poor families, is given to the offerings of God, and it shall be so accepted and recompensed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:1-4 Jesus set the sacrificial offering of the poor widow in contrast to the greed and hypocrisy of the rich people, including the teachers of religious law (20:45-47). 21:1 The Greek term translated collection box probably refers to the chests with trumpet-shaped openings used to collect offerings.
The Poor Widow’s Offering
1Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.
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- Sermons
- Commentary
The Widow's Mite
By J.C. Ryle0StewardshipGenerosityLUK 21:1J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significance of the widow's offering in Luke 21:1-4, illustrating how Jesus observes all acts of giving, regardless of their size. He highlights that true generosity is measured not by the amount given but by the proportion of one's wealth and the self-denial involved in the gift. Ryle encourages believers to recognize that their contributions, no matter how small, are valued by God and that the act of giving is a reflection of their faith. He warns against stinginess and urges Christians to regularly support God's work, reminding them that they will be held accountable for their financial stewardship. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a spirit of generosity among Christians, who should be eager to give in response to the abundant gifts they have received from God.
Little or Much
By Arthur Vess0MAL 3:10MAT 6:19LUK 21:11TI 6:10Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of tithing, challenging the excuse of not being able to tithe by questioning if God would make unjust laws or rob the poor of blessings. He highlights the justness of the tithing law in defending the poor and the generosity of those in deep poverty. Vess illustrates how even the smallest offerings, like the widow's mite, are valued by Jesus and can lead to abundance. He warns against covetousness and the danger of not tithing, stressing that investing in heavenly treasures is essential.
Mark 12:41 to End. Christ Commends a Poor Widow.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MRK 12:41LUK 21:12CO 9:7PHP 4:19HEB 11:4Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the story of the poor widow who gave all she had as an offering at the temple, highlighting Jesus' recognition of her sacrificial faith and the value God places on sincere and sacrificial giving, regardless of the amount. The widow's act of faith and trust in God's provision serves as a powerful example of true devotion and reliance on God's faithfulness, even in times of scarcity and need.
- Adam Clarke
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The rich men casting their gifts into the treasury - See all this, from Luk 21:1-4, explained on Mar 12:41-44 (note).
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This short passage of story we had before in Mark. It is thus recorded twice, to teach us, 1. That charity to the poor is a main matter in religion. Our Lord Jesus took all occasions to commend it and recommend it. He had just mentioned the barbarity of the scribes, who devoured poor widows (ch. 20); and perhaps this is designed as an aggravation of it, that the poor widows were the best benefactors to the public funds, of which the scribes had the disposal. 2. That Jesus Christ has his eye upon us, to observe what we give to the poor, and what we contribute to works of piety and charity. Christ, though intent upon his preaching, looked up, to see what gifts were cast into the treasury, Luk 21:1. He observes whether we give largely and liberally, in proportion to what we have, or whether we be sneaking and paltry in it; nay, his eye goes further, he observes whether we give charitably and with a willing mind, or grudgingly and with reluctance. This should make us afraid of coming short of our duty in this matter; men may be deceived with excuses which Christ knows to be frivolous. And this should encourage us to be abundant in it, without desiring that men should know it; it is enough that Christ does; he sees in secret, and will reward openly. 3. That Christ observes and accepts the charity of the poor in a particular manner. Those that have nothing to give may yet do a great deal in charity by ministering to the poor, and helping them, and begging for them, that cannot help themselves, or beg for themselves. But here was one that was herself poor and yet gave what little she had to the treasury. It was but two mites, which make a farthing; but Christ magnified it as a piece of charity exceeding all the rest: She has cast in more than they all. Christ does not blame her for indiscretion, in giving what she wanted herself, nor for vanity in giving among the rich to the treasury; but commended her liberality, and her willingness to part with what little she had for the glory of God, which proceeded from a belief of and dependence upon God's providence to take care of her. Jehovah-jireh - the Lord will provide. 4. That, whatever may be called the offerings of God, we ought to have a respect for, and to our power, yea, and beyond our power, to contribute cheerfully to. These have cast in unto the offerings of God. What is given to the support of the ministry and the gospel, to the spreading and propagating of religion, the education of youth, the release of prisoners, the relief of widows and strangers, and the maintenance of poor families, is given to the offerings of God, and it shall be so accepted and recompensed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:1-4 Jesus set the sacrificial offering of the poor widow in contrast to the greed and hypocrisy of the rich people, including the teachers of religious law (20:45-47). 21:1 The Greek term translated collection box probably refers to the chests with trumpet-shaped openings used to collect offerings.