Luke 21:1-9 | Philippians 2:19-30 | Gospels during Lent: Luke 12-14
Jesus is not only still in Jerusalem in this passage, he’s still in the Temple. To teach as he does here in that place is meaningful. It’s the center of gathering for Israel, the promise of God’s presence with his people. But it’s been devalued. Jesus has come to set things straight.
Luke 21:1-9
Looking up, Jesus saw rich people throwing their gifts into the collection box for the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow throw in two small copper coins worth a penny. He said, “I assure you that this poor widow has put in more than them all. All of them are giving out of their spare change. But she from her hopeless poverty has given everything she had to live on.”
Some people were talking about the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and ornaments dedicated to God. Jesus said, “As for the things you are admiring, the time is coming when not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.”
They asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? What sign will show that these things are about to happen?”
Jesus said, “Watch out that you aren’t deceived. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ and ‘It’s time!’ Don’t follow them. When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end won’t happen immediately.”
Philippians 2:19-30
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to see you soon so that I may be encouraged by hearing about you. I have no one like him. He is a person who genuinely cares about your well-being. All the others put their own business ahead of Jesus Christ’s business. You know his character, how he labors with me for the gospel like a son works with his father. So he is the one that I hope to send as soon as I find out how things turn out here for me. I trust in the Lord that I also will visit you soon.
I think it is also necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier; and he is your representative who serves my needs. He misses you all, and he was upset because you heard he was sick. In fact, he was so sick that he nearly died. But God had mercy on him—and not just on him but also on me, because his death would have caused me great sorrow. Therefore, I am sending him immediately so that when you see him again you can be glad and I won’t worry. So welcome him in the Lord with great joy and show great respect for people like him. He risked his life and almost died for the work of Christ, and he did this to make up for the help you couldn’t give me.
Prayer
God,
On this Saturday morning, I come before you with a heart of gratitude. In being reminded of the widow's offering, a meek gift that spoke volumes about trust and surrender, I am humbled. Lord, grant me the wisdom to give not just from my abundance but from the depths of my heart, recognizing that all we have is ultimately a gift from you.
Lord, I acknowledge that life's journey is marked by both challenges and blessings. Help me to trust in your plan, knowing that even in the midst of trials, your grace is sustaining. Grant me the courage to face the day ahead with steady faith, guided by love, compassion, and humility.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.