”While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” “Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?” He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven. “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But not a hair of your head will perish!“
Luke 21:1-18 NLT
God measures differently than we do. The poor widow put in only two copper coins, yet Jesus declared she had put in more than anyone else because she gave God everything, and this is what we are called to do as well. The Lord asks for us to give our best and all because that is what He deserves, and living this brings freedom.
The disciples—right after seeing the faithful example of the poor widow—began commenting on the majestic architecture of the Temple. Jesus prophetically predicted the Temple’s destruction (which was fulfilled less than forty years later). The disciples asked for signs, and Jesus warned them not to be misled or deceived. There would be wars and famines, and Christians will be persecuted for their faith. These have happened for thousands of years. But before the end, there will be a time of intense suffering, which Christians should be prepared to endure. The Holy Spirit will be with us and give us words to say; we are witnesses in our living or dying. Jesus promised the world would hate us because they hate Him. Refuse to give up your faith. Be prepared to persevere with the Holy Spirit, spiritual training, and the fellowship of the faithful.
Does God deserve everything you own and are, or only a portion? Are you prepared to suffer with Jesus for being a Christian? How have you already gone through hard things because of your faith?
