The story of the widow’s mite reveals how Jesus values sacrificial giving—not by the amount, but by the heart behind it. While the wealthy gave large sums out of abundance, a poor widow gave two tiny coins, all she had. Jesus praised her, not because of the value of her gift, but because it reflected total trust in God. This moment teaches us that true generosity isn’t about what’s easy to give—it’s about what costs us something.
If you’ve ever felt like your contribution is too small to matter, this story proves otherwise. God sees every act of faith, especially when it stretches you. Whether you’re giving money, time, or energy, what matters most is your willingness to trust God with what you have. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what sacrificial giving really looks like and how you can live it out today.
If you’ve ever wondered how much giving really matters in God’s eyes—especially when you don’t have much to give—there’s one short Bible story that answers it all. It’s the story of the widow’s mite. It’s simple, powerful, and shows exactly how Jesus views sacrificial giving.
Let’s unpack it together.
The Story: What Actually Happened?
You’ll find this story in Mark 12:41–44 and Luke 21:1–4. Here’s the scene:
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.”
— Mark 12:41-42 (NIV)
Then Jesus says something surprising:
“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
— Mark 12:43-44 (NIV)
Those two tiny coins? That was all she had.
Why Did Jesus Highlight This Moment?
Jesus wasn’t impressed by the amount the rich were giving. He was focused on the heart behind the giving.
- The rich gave out of abundance. It didn’t cost them anything emotionally or materially.
- The widow gave out of poverty. It was everything she had. That’s what made it sacrificial.
Jesus saw her faith and trust in God. She didn’t give leftovers. She gave her best—at great personal cost.
What’s a Mite Anyway?
A “mite” refers to the smallest coin in circulation during that time. In Greek, it’s called a lepton, meaning “small” or “thin.”
- 2 mites = 1 quadrans, the smallest Roman coin.
- In today’s terms, those 2 coins would be worth less than a penny.
So why did Jesus say she gave more than the rich? Because God measures giving differently than we do.
God Looks at the Sacrifice, Not the Sum
Here’s the key truth: God isn’t impressed with how much you give. He’s interested in how much you keep.
The widow gave 100%.
The rich may have given 10% or even more—but kept enough to remain comfortable.
That’s the core of sacrificial giving:
- It costs you something.
- It shows dependence on God.
- It reflects a heart fully surrendered.
Jesus didn’t just admire the widow’s gift—He praised it. He made her a model of faith and generosity.
The Contrast: External Religion vs. True Devotion
In Mark 12, this story comes right after Jesus criticizes the religious leaders:
“They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers.”
— Mark 12:40
It’s no accident that the widow appears next. Jesus is drawing a contrast:
| Religious Leaders | The Poor Widow |
| Loved attention | Stayed quiet |
| Had power | Was powerless |
| Gave for show | Gave in secret |
| Took from others | Gave everything |
She didn’t do it for applause. No one noticed her—except Jesus. And that’s all that mattered.
What Does This Mean for You?
You don’t need a big bank account to honor God. You just need a big heart.
3 Key Takeaways:
- God sees your heart.
Even if no one else notices your giving, God does. And He values faith-filled sacrifice. - It’s not about the amount.
If you’re giving out of love and trust—even if it’s small—God counts it as big. - Real giving involves trust.
Giving what’s easy isn’t sacrificial. But when it stretches you? That’s where trust kicks in.
Sacrificial Giving in the Bible
The widow isn’t the only example. The Bible is full of stories where people gave what they couldn’t afford—but God honored it.
A Few Examples:
- The Macedonian Churches – “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)
- Abraham – Willing to sacrifice Isaac, his only son. (Genesis 22)
- The boy with 5 loaves and 2 fish – Gave his whole lunch to Jesus. (John 6:9)
In every case, the focus wasn’t on the gift—but the heart behind it.
Practical Ways to Give Sacrificially Today
You might be thinking, “How do I apply this in real life?” Here are a few ways to give sacrificially, no matter your income:
1. Give First, Not Last
Don’t wait until you’ve covered everything else. Make giving your first priority, even if it’s small.
2. Budget Generosity
Build generosity into your budget. Maybe that means giving $50 when you feel like you can only afford $20. Let it stretch you.
3. Time and Talent Count Too
Don’t just think money. Your time, skills, and encouragement can be sacrificial gifts too.
4. Give When It’s Hard
The moment it feels inconvenient is often the moment God’s asking you to trust Him.
What If You’re the Widow?
Maybe you’re thinking, “I barely have enough for myself. How can I give?”
That’s the whole point of the story.
Jesus sees you. He doesn’t need your money—He wants your heart. Giving, even when it’s hard, is one of the clearest signs of total dependence on Him.
So don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Just ask: “What is God calling me to give?”
Final Thoughts: What Jesus Really Cares About
In a world that celebrates wealth, Jesus celebrated a widow with two pennies.
That should stop us in our tracks.
Her story shows us:
- Faith matters more than finances.
- Sacrifice matters more than surplus.
- God sees what others don’t.
So next time you think your gift is too small or doesn’t matter—remember the widow. Jesus noticed. He honored her. And her story has been told for over 2,000 years.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:21
✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the story of the widow’s mite?
It’s a brief account in Mark 12 and Luke 21 where a poor widow gives two small coins at the temple. Jesus praises her for giving everything she had, unlike the rich who gave out of surplus.
2. What does the term “mite” mean in the Bible?
A “mite” refers to a very small coin, specifically a lepton, the smallest currency in circulation at that time—worth less than a penny today.
3. Why did Jesus say the widow gave more than the rich?
Because she gave out of poverty and sacrifice. Jesus valued the heart and trust behind the gift, not the monetary amount.
4. What does sacrificial giving mean?
Sacrificial giving is offering something that costs you—whether money, time, or resources—and demonstrates full trust in God rather than relying on your own comfort.
5. Is God asking everyone to give all they have?
Not always, but He is asking for full trust and obedience. Sacrificial giving means you’re willing to let go of what you value most if He asks for it.
6. How can I give sacrificially if I don’t have much?
Start with what you do have—your time, energy, or a small financial gift. It’s not about the size but the heart and faith behind it.
7. What’s the main lesson from the widow’s mite?
God sees and honors sincere, faith-filled giving—especially when it costs you something and expresses complete dependence on Him.
8. How is the widow’s story relevant today?
It reminds us not to compare our giving to others. Whether you have a little or a lot, God values generosity that comes from the heart.
9. What does this teach us about stewardship?
Good stewardship means trusting God enough to give, even when it’s hard. The widow modeled faithful stewardship with very limited resources.
10. How can I apply this story in real life?
Make giving a priority, even in tight seasons. Choose to give your best—not just what’s left—and look for opportunities to be generous in meaningful, faith-driven ways.
