What is the meaning of Luke 21:4? For they all contributed • Jesus is observing generous-looking donations at the temple treasury (Luke 21:1). • The wealthy put coins in with ease, and the sound of their gifts drew attention. • Scripture often shows that outward acts can mask inward motives (Matthew 6:2; 1 Samuel 16:7). • Christ immediately contrasts the many with the one, teaching that numbers alone do not impress God (Proverbs 21:2). out of their surplus • “Surplus” means what remains after every need and want is met. • Giving from excess costs little sacrifice; it is comfortable generosity (2 Corinthians 8:14-15). • God still receives such gifts, yet He weighs the heart more than the amount (Acts 5:1-4). • The scene reminds us that stewardship can devolve into tipping God rather than honoring Him (Malachi 1:7-8). but she out of her poverty • The widow stands in stark economic contrast to the wealthy donors. • Widows in Israel were among society’s most vulnerable (Deuteronomy 24:19-21; James 1:27). • Her gift is therefore unexpected, quietly heroic, and rooted in faith like the widow of Zarephath who fed Elijah with her last meal (1 Kings 17:12-16). • Jesus highlights her because spiritual value is never tied to social status (Psalm 72:12-14). has put in • She “put in” with deliberate intent, not accidental generosity. • True giving is an act of worship; she places herself entirely in God’s care (Proverbs 3:9; Mark 12:44). • Her action illustrates that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). • By doing, she announces her belief that God notices and provides (Hebrews 11:6). all she had to live on • Literally, her whole livelihood is now in the treasury box. • This is radical trust: she surrenders present security for eternal reliance (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19). • Jesus does not rebuke her risk; He commends it, revealing that sacrificial obedience pleases the Father (Romans 12:1). • The lesson echoes Christ’s call to forsake all and follow Him (Luke 14:33). summary The wealthy gave leftovers; the widow gave her life. Jesus announces that heaven measures generosity by devotion, not dollars. Giving that costs nothing gains little, while giving that entrusts everything to God receives His deepest commendation. |
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