A Poor Widow and Her Two Mites - Mark 12:42

Mark wrote how, “Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much”, and in chapter twelve and verse forty-two of his book, Mark shared how “there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites” where we read:

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

The verse reads, “And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, ...” Mark began with the words, “and there came” or “and there appeared and came forth” “a certain poor widow” or “a particular woman whose husband had died and was reduced to beggary, asking alms and was destitute of wealth, influence, position and honor”, “and she threw in” which means “and the poor widow cast and put in the offering box” “two mites” or “two thin, small brass coins which were equivalent to the eighth part of an “as” which was worth about one-fifth of a cent”. Mark shared how Jesus noticed a “particular poor widow” who put “two small coins” known as “mites” in the “sacred repository”.

The verse goes on to say, “... which make a farthing.” Mark continued with the words, “which make” which means “the two coins were worth as much as” “a farthing” or “a quadrans (about the fourth part of an "as" which in the New Testament a coin equal to one half the Attic chalcus worth about 3/8 of a cent”. Mark shared how the monetary amount of money was worth very little.

When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how this “poor widow” was singled out and observed by Jesus as He watched people give their offerings. We shall learn more of what Jesus saw in this “widow” in the next few verses, and as we consider her, let us be reminded that God knows the state of every person, and He sent His Son Jesus to save everyone who will believe and trust in Him. Jesus sees. Jesus loves, and Jesus saves. Let all who read these words understand and believe.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus says, “this poor widow has cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".