Luke 21:1 Study Bible: He looked up, and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury.

◄ Luke 21:1 ►

Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,

As Jesus looked up
This phrase sets the scene for a moment of observation and teaching by Jesus. The act of "looking up" signifies a deliberate and intentional focus. In the Greek, the word used here is "anablepō," which means to look up or to recover sight. This implies that Jesus is not merely glancing but is purposefully observing the actions of those around Him. This moment of looking up is significant as it precedes a teaching moment, highlighting the importance of being observant and aware of the actions and intentions of others.

He saw
The Greek word for "saw" is "eidō," which means to perceive or to become aware of. This is more than just a physical act of seeing; it is an understanding or insight into what is being observed. Jesus' ability to see goes beyond the surface, as He perceives the deeper spiritual realities and motivations behind the actions of the people. This insight is a reminder of Jesus' divine ability to discern the hearts and intentions of individuals.

the rich
The term "rich" refers to those who have an abundance of material wealth. In the context of first-century Judea, the rich were often seen as those blessed by God, yet Jesus frequently challenges this notion by emphasizing the spiritual dangers of wealth. The Greek word "plousios" is used here, which denotes wealth and abundance. This sets the stage for a contrast between the external appearance of wealth and the internal state of the heart, a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings.

putting their gifts
The act of "putting" suggests a deliberate action, and the word "gifts" refers to offerings or contributions. The Greek word "dōra" is used, which can mean gifts or offerings, often given as a religious duty. This phrase highlights the practice of giving to the temple treasury, a common religious obligation. However, the focus here is not just on the act of giving but on the manner and heart behind the giving, which Jesus will address in the following verses.

into the treasury
The "treasury" refers to the place in the temple where offerings were collected. The Greek word "gazophylakion" is used, which literally means "treasure chest." Historically, the temple treasury was a significant part of Jewish religious life, where people would contribute to the maintenance of the temple and the support of the priests. This setting provides a backdrop for Jesus to teach about true generosity and the value of sacrificial giving, as opposed to giving out of abundance without genuine sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is observing the actions of those around Him. His teachings often focus on the heart and intentions behind actions.

2. The Rich
These individuals are putting their gifts into the treasury. Their actions are being observed by Jesus, highlighting a contrast that will be further developed in the following verses.

3. The Treasury
This is the place within the temple where offerings were collected. It was a public area where people could see the contributions being made.

Teaching Points

Heart Over Wealth
Jesus values the heart's intention over the amount given. It's not about how much we give, but the spirit in which we give.

Public vs. Private Giving
The setting of the treasury highlights the potential for giving to be a public display. Jesus teaches that true giving is not for show but for God.

Stewardship and Sacrifice
The passage invites reflection on how we manage our resources and the sacrifices we are willing to make for God's kingdom.

Observing and Learning
Jesus' observation of the rich provides a teaching moment. We are encouraged to observe and learn from the actions and attitudes of others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the setting of the treasury influence the actions of the rich, and what does this reveal about human nature?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our giving is motivated by genuine love and devotion rather than a desire for recognition?

3. How does the teaching in Luke 21:1 challenge our current understanding and practice of stewardship and generosity?

4. Reflect on a time when you gave sacrificially. How did that experience align with the principles Jesus teaches about giving?

5. How can we apply the lessons from this passage to other areas of our lives, such as time, talents, and service to others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Mark 12:41-44
This parallel passage provides additional context and details about the widow's offering, emphasizing the contrast between the rich and the poor widow.

Matthew 6:1-4
Jesus teaches about giving in secret and the importance of the heart's intention, which connects to the theme of genuine versus ostentatious giving.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Paul speaks about giving cheerfully and not under compulsion, which aligns with the heart attitude Jesus values.

Sermons

Sunday After Ascension Day	Martin Luther	Luke 21:1
A Welsh Boy's Offering		Luke 21:1-4
Giving His All		Luke 21:1-4
Liberal Giving	Mrs. Wylie's "Life of Mrs. Mason."	Luke 21:1-4
Noble Giving	E. Hake.	Luke 21:1-4
The Anonymous Widow	Christian Age	Luke 21:1-4
The Duty of Almsgiving	James Foote, M. A.	Luke 21:1-4
The Gifts of the Poor		Luke 21:1-4
The Giving Out of Abundance and Out of Penury		Luke 21:1-4
The Largest Giver	W. Baxendale.	Luke 21:1-4
The True Worth of Money		Luke 21:1-4
The Widow's Mite	M. F. Sadler.	Luke 21:1-4
The Widow's Mites	J. W. Pringle, M. A.	Luke 21:1-4
What One Halfpenny Can Do	Bowes.	Luke 21:1-4
Worth in the Estimate of Wisdom	W. Clarkson	Luke 21:1-4

People

Jesus, Disciples

Places

Jerusalem, Judea, Olivet

Topics

Cast, Casting, Gifts, Money-box, Offerings, Putting, Rich, Temple, Throwing, Treasury, Wealth

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Luke 21:1-2

4321 copper
5260 coinage

Luke 21:1-3

7402 offerings

Luke 21:1-4

     4303   metals
     5325   gifts
     5414   money, stewardship
     5556   stewardship
     5558   storing
     5743   widows
     5745   women
     5856   extravagance
     7912   collections
     8262   generosity, human
     8436   giving, of possessions

Luke 21:1-6

7469 temple, Herod's

Library

June 3 Morning
Watch, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.--MATT. 25:13. Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Sunday after Ascension Day
Text: First Peter 4, 7-11.[1] 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer: 8 above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves: for love covereth a multitude of sins: 9 using hospitality one to another without murmuring: 10 according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; 11 if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

When Shall These Things Be?
'And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may he fulfilled. 23. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Nearness of the Kingdom
THE NEARNESS OF THE KINGDOM St Luke xxi. 31.--"Know that the Kingdom of God is near." Our Lord saith that the Kingdom of God is near us. Yea, the Kingdom of God is within us as St Paul saith "our salvation is nearer than when we believed." Now we should know in what manner the Kingdom of God is near us. Therefore let us pay diligent attention to the meaning of the words. If I were a king, and did not know it, I should not really be a king. But, if I were fully convinced that I was a king, and all …
Johannes Eckhart—Meister Eckhart's Sermons

St. Luke xxi. 36
Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. This might be a text for a history of the Christian Church, from its foundation to this hour, or to the latest hour of the world's existence. We might observe how it Lad fulfilled its Lord's command; with what steadiness it had gone forward on its course, with the constant hope of meeting Him once again in glory. We might see how it had escaped …
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

Sermon for the Second Sunday in Advent
(From the Gospel for the day) How that God is very near to us, and how we must seek and find the Kingdom of God within us, without respect to time and place. [41] Luke xxi. 31.--"Know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." OUR Lord says here that the kingdom of God is nigh to us. Yea, the kingdom of God is in us; and St. Paul says, that now is our salvation nearer to us than we believe. Now ye ought to know, first, how the kingdom of God is nigh at hand; secondly, when the kingdom of God is …
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
The Word of the Lord may not denominate in plain terms every particular sin and evil practise man may engage in; however there are general terms and principles of righteousness that prohibit and condemn every possible sinful act man may perform. The words card-parties, picnics, fairs, shows and theaters are not found in the writings of the apostles; however indulgence in these is "revelry," "living in pleasure," "rioting" and worldliness, of which the Scriptures say the participants do not love God …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Remaining Books of the Old Testament.
1. The divine authority of the Pentateuch having been established, it is not necessary to dwell at length on the historical books which follow. The events which they record are a natural and necessary sequel to the establishment of the theocracy, as given in the five books of Moses. The Pentateuch is occupied mainly with the founding of the theocracy; the following historical books describe the settlement of the Israelitish nation under this theocracy in the promised land, and its practical operation …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Submission.
"In your patience possess ye your souls."--Luke 21:19 "Stille, mein Wille! dein Jesu hilft siegen." [40]Unbekanntes. [[41]Catherina Schlegel] transl., Jane Borthwick, 1855 Be still, my soul!--the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide-- In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul!--thy best, thy Heavenly Friend Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Be still, my soul!--thy God doth undertake To guide the future, …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

Epistle Lxiii. To Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage.
To Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage. Gregory to Dominicus, &c. We have already learnt what great pestilence has invaded the African parts; and, inasmuch as neither is Italy free from such affliction, doubled are the groans of our sorrows. But amid these evils and other innumerable calamities our heart, dearest brother, would fail from desperate distress, had not the Lord's voice fortified our weakness beforehand. For long ago to the faithful the trumpet of the Gospel lesson sounded, warning them that …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
1. The design of God in afflicting his people. 1. To accustom us to despise the present life. Our infatuated love of it. Afflictions employed as the cure. 2. To lead us to aspire to heaven. 2. Excessive love of the present life prevents us from duly aspiring to the other. Hence the disadvantages of prosperity. Blindness of the human judgment. Our philosophizing on the vanity of life only of momentary influence. The necessity of the cross. 3. The present life an evidence of the divine favour to his …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Lessons from Olivet
Our last chapter was on the Transfiguration. The next will be on The Last Supper. Between these two events in our Saviour's life, how many interesting incidents took place! How many important sayings that fell from his gracious lips during this period are written for our instruction by the four evangelists! There is, for instance, the beautiful lesson about what it is on which the value of our gifts depend. He taught this lesson when he saw the rich casting their gifts into the treasury. Among them …
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

At Night, Jesus Abode on the Mount of Olives
And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.--St. Luke xxi: 37. * * * * * NOTE BY THE ARTIST As we ascend towards sunset the slopes of Olivet, and pause to gaze on the scenes beneath, the panorama of the city presented to view is in its leading features essentially similar to that upon which the eyes of Jesus rested, when "at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called …
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

The Present Distress of Nations.
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them with fear, and for looking after those things which are coming to pass on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25, 26). As we have already remarked more than once, prophecy invariably has a double fulfillment at least, and so we believe it is with the one just quoted. Directly, it has reference …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within in his Occupation among the Things that are Without, nor Neglect to Provide
The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

July 18 Evening
She hath done what she could.--MARK 14:8. This poor widow hath cast in more than they all.--Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.--If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.--If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Two Forms of one Saying
'He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.' --Matt. xxiv. 13, R.V. 'In your patience possess ye your souls.'--Luke xxi. 19. These two sayings, different as they sound in our Version, are probably divergent representations of one original. The reasons for so supposing are manifold and obvious on a little consideration. In the first place, the two sayings occur in the Evangelists' reports of the same prophecy and at the same point therein. In the second place, the verbal resemblance is …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Great Assize
[i.e., The Last Judgment -- GL] [21] "We shall all stand before the judgement-seat of Christ." Rom. 14:10. 1. How many circumstances concur to raise the awfulness of the present solemnity! -- The general concourse of people of every age, sex, rank, and condition of life, willingly or unwillingly gathered together, not only from the neighboring, but from distant, parts; criminals, speedily to be brought forth and having no way to escape; officers, waiting in their various posts, to execute the orders …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Observing the Offerings and Widow's Mites.
(in the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^B Mark XII. 41-44; ^C Luke XXI. 1-4. ^b 41 And he sat down over against the treasury [It is said that in the court of the women there were cloisters or porticos, and under the shelter of these were placed thirteen chests with trumpet-shaped mouths into which offerings might be dropped. The money cast in was for the benefit of the Temple. An inscription on each chest showed to which one of the thirteen special items of cost or expenditure the contents would …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Epistle to the Colossians.
The Churches in Phrygia. The cities of Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis are mentioned together as seats of Christian churches in the closing chapter of Colossians, and the Epistle may be considered as being addressed to all, for the apostle directs that it be read also in the churches of the Laodiceans (Col. 4:13-16). They were situated within a few miles of each other in the valley of the Lycus (a tributary of the Maeander) in Phrygia on the borders of Lydia, and belonged, under the Roman rule, …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Four Gospels.
General Character and Aim of the Gospels. Christianity is a cheerful religion and brings joy and peace from heaven to earth. The New Testament opens with the gospel, that is with the authentic record of the history of all histories, the glad tidings of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. [871] The four canonical Gospels are only variations of the same theme, a fourfold representation of one and the same gospel, animated by the same spirit. [872] They are not full …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Elucidations.
I. (Unless patience sit by his side, cap. i. p. 707.) Let me quote words which, many years ago, struck me forcibly, and which I trust, have been blest to my soul; for which reason, I must be allowed, here, to thank their author, the learned and fearless Dean Burgon, of Chichester. In his invaluable Commentary on the Gospel, which while it abounds in the fruits of a varied erudition, aims only to be practically useful, this pious scholar remarks: "To Faith must be added Patience, the patient waiting …
Tertullian—Of Patience

Look we Then, Beloved, what Hardships in Labors and Sorrows Men Endure...
3. Look we then, beloved, what hardships in labors and sorrows men endure, for things which they viciously love, and by how much they think to be made by them more happy, by so much more unhappily covet. How much for false riches, how much for vain honors, how much for affections of games and shows, is of exceeding peril and trouble most patiently borne! We see men hankering after money, glory, lasciviousness, how, that they may arrive at their desires, and having gotten not lose them, they endure …
St. Augustine—On Patience

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