The widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 has often been used by some Christian preachers as commendable model of behaviour. The poor widow has given a small amount of money, which for her is a large amount, and Jesus praises her actions. This action is then to be emulated by believers, encouraging the worthy act of giving.
Occasionally, there is an addition to this story. If one gives, they will receive. Such is the teaching of many prosperity teachers such as John Avanzini who taught that the widow gave “because she wanted something from her God.” Tele-evangelist Benny Hinn says that the widow's "trust and generosity has been a testimony for all believers through the centuries."
The Text of Mark 12:41-44
Jesus is often interpreted as praising the widow’s action, but does the context demand this interpretation? The passage in full reads:
"He (Jesus) sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'"
In this passage the widow is obviously generous. But is Jesus really approving her action?
Taking the narrative on its own one could well conclude that Jesus was in fact praising the widow's action. However, it is doubtful the context demands this conclusion.
The Context of Mark 12:41-44
Prior to the story of the “Widow’s Offering” in Mark 12:38 Jesus gives a warning about the scribes. It Mark 12:40 Jesus concludes that the scribes "devour the households of widows..." For this “they will receive the greater condemnation.”
In Mark 12:41 the story about the widow begins. Jesus is sitting opposite the treasury where not only rich people, but a poor widow also contributes for the upkeep of the Temple. (Mark 12:42)
The Widow in Israel’s History
The description "poor widow" is an important one. In Jeremiah 7:5-7 the widow is mentioned as having injustice done against her. If Israel continues such injustice against such people then God will no longer dwell in the Temple. Mark's passage (Mark 12:41-44) has in mind Mark 12:38-40 and Jeremiah 7.
Under the Law of Moses, widows enjoyed some protection, legally and economically. This did not mean that widows were not to contribute in tithing. Rather, because of their contribution widow’s should receive protection. However, if widow’s could not contribute financially there were provisions to protect them.
Unfortunately, Israel was often condemned for being oppressive to widows (see for example, Isaiah 10). Due to poverty, in order to contribute money, some widows turned to prostitution. The Dead Sea Scrolls reveals this fact. (The Damascus Document 4Q271)
The Relationship Between the Widow and the Temple
The widow in Mark 12:41-44 shows the extremity that the scribes went in order to boost the Temples revenue. Immediately after this story, one will read in Mark 13 that Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple; the same Temple where the widow placed her money.
Therefore, in Mark 12:38-40 the Scribes are denounced for devouring widows. In Mark 12:41-44 there is an example of how widows are devoured – the offering of money, “all she had to live on” (Mark 12:44), for the upkeep of the Temple. Finally in Mark 13 judgment is pronounced on the Temple. “Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2)
The context suggests that Jesus is lamenting the widow’s action, not praising it. The focus should not be upon the widow. Rather, the movement of the story is towards the Temple and how the leaders use it to exploit people.
Sources:
- Hanegraaff, H. Christianity in Crisis. Oregon: Harvest House, 1993.
- Hinn, B. The Widow's Mite at BennyHinn.org (accessed: July 11, 2009).
- NRSV Bible.
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