Today’s Scripture: Luke 21:1-4 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tyler Connoley):
It rarely leads to good ends, but we still do it all the time: We place motives in other people’s heads. We make assumptions about their inner thoughts, based on what we can see. Even the commentators who write about this passage usually put motives in the heads of the people in the story.
The usual interpretation of this passage is to point out that the rich givers were just showing off. They wanted everyone to see how much money they gave. But the poor widow was quietly giving everything she had. So Jesus pointed out the widow, and thwarted the pride of the rich.
However, we don’t know the motives of anyone in this story, and I believe that’s the point. How often have you heard someone say, “Look at Mary! She hardly gives anything to the church, and just wants everyone to help her.” Or what about: “There’s Joseph, again, always donating to the church auction so people will notice how special he is.” We even do this with loved ones. I have friends who refuse financial help, because they believe gifts are always manipulative ploys.
But in this passage, Jesus reminds us that we can never get inside another person’s head. We only know that a woman put two small coins in the collection box. We don’t know anything else about her. It takes Jesus to point out that those coins were everything she had.
Thought for the day: As you interact with people this week, remember that they have hidden parts of themselves that you can’t know. Then assume you can’t make assumptions about them.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.