The account of the rich contributors is primarily found in the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus observes the giving practices of the people at the temple treasury. This narrative highlights the contrast between the wealthy contributors and a poor widow, offering profound insights into the nature of giving and the heart's posture before God.

Biblical Account

In Mark 12:41-44 , the scene is set as follows: "Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into it. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a small fraction of a denarius. Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.'"

Similarly, in Luke 21:1-4 , the account is reiterated: "As Jesus looked up, He saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 'Truly I tell you,' He said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.'"

Theological Insights

The narrative of the rich contributors and the poor widow serves as a profound teaching on the nature of true generosity and the value of sacrificial giving. The wealthy individuals, though contributing large sums, gave out of their abundance, which did not require personal sacrifice or trust in God's provision. In contrast, the widow's offering, though monetarily small, was of immense spiritual value because it represented her total dependence on God. Her act of giving was a demonstration of faith and devotion, as she entrusted her entire livelihood to the Lord.

This account challenges believers to examine their own giving practices and the motivations behind them. It underscores the principle that God values the heart's intention over the monetary value of the gift. The widow's offering exemplifies the biblical teaching that true generosity is measured not by the amount given, but by the spirit of sacrifice and trust in God.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, the temple treasury was a place where people could make financial contributions to support the temple's operations and charitable activities. The treasury was located in the Court of Women, accessible to both men and women, and consisted of thirteen trumpet-shaped receptacles for collecting offerings.

The societal norms of the time often equated wealth with divine favor, and public acts of giving were sometimes used to display one's piety and status. Jesus' observation and subsequent teaching subverted these norms by elevating the widow's seemingly insignificant contribution as the most significant in God's eyes.

Application for Believers

The account of the rich contributors and the poor widow invites believers to reflect on their own attitudes toward wealth and giving. It encourages a heart of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that true wealth is found in spiritual richness rather than material abundance. This narrative calls Christians to give generously and sacrificially, trusting in God's provision and prioritizing eternal values over temporal wealth.

In the broader biblical context, this teaching aligns with other scriptural exhortations to care for the poor, practice justice, and live with a spirit of generosity. It serves as a reminder that God sees beyond outward appearances and values the sincerity and faithfulness of His followers.