NOTES for Mar 12:38-44
Jesus warns His disciples against becoming like the teachers of the law, who are so fond of outward displays of piety. They pray for show, yet at the same time deprive widows of their property. Inside, they turn out to be quite different from what they appear to be on the outside. The Lord warns His disciples against this division. He immediately points them to a very different example: a widow who gives two small coins. To outward appearances, these coins are mere pennies and make no difference to the treasury of the Jerusalem Temple. Yet behind them lies true value—a genuine sacrifice to God, because this woman gave everything she had.
We often judge by appearances and draw conclusions on the basis of outward factors. Without taking time to understand the true state of affairs, which does not always lie on the surface, we make hasty judgments. Only the Lord can decide whose sacrifice is more pleasing, whose suffering is greater, and whose sin is more serious. Even His closest followers were not perceptive enough to see the greatest giver in a poor woman.