Luke 21:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.

NIV: He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.

NASB: And He saw a poor widow putting in two lepta coins.

CSB: He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins.

NLT: Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.

KJV: And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

NKJV: and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.

Jesus and His disciples are on the temple Mount, shortly before the crucifixion. It is Passover, and the city is overflowing with people. Jews were only required to come to Jerusalem three times a year: for Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Booths. Many used these visits to perform required sacrifices and give offerings.

Jesus notices rich people donating large amounts of money to the temple. The money may be used for repairs, enhancements, or to support the priests and Levites. Then, Jesus notices a destitute widow offer two copper coins, or lepta. In total, her offering is worth about 1/50th of a laborer's daily wage.

We're not told why this woman is destitute. It was difficult for unmarried, childless women to support themselves and own land in that era. It may be that some of the scribes walking around in long robes took advantage of her situation and took money from her (Luke 20:46–47). That is not God's heart. In fact, the Mosaic law states that His wrath burns against those who abuse widows (Exodus 22:22–24).

Neither do we know why the widow donated her last two coins. Perhaps she considered buying a little bit of grain but realized a small meal was nothing compared to her great God. That faith and love for God is why we celebrate her story two millennia later.

Luke 21:1–4 completes Jesus' defense of His authority after the triumphal entry (Luke 19:28—20:47). He singles out a poor widow as a counterpoint to the religious leaders He warned about earlier (Luke 20:45–47). The scribes crave attention, while the widow acts quietly. The scribes steal widows' homes, while this widow gives her last two coins for the temple treasury. With His authority sufficiently defended, Jesus goes on to warn the disciples about their coming hardships (Luke 21:5–36). The widow is also mentioned in Mark 12:41–44.

Luke 21 records the last of Jesus' teachings before the Last Supper, His arrest, and His crucifixion. Luke 21:1–4 fits well with the themes of Luke 19:28—20:47. Luke 21:5–11 describes how false messiahs, war, and natural disasters will become normal. Luke 21:12–24 prophesies challenges prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Luke 21:25–28 moves to the tribulation. Luke 21:29–36 is Jesus' instructions about the disciples' lives and ministries with respect to the delayed kingdom. Luke 21:37–38 is a note about Jesus' schedule in the days between the triumphal entry and His arrest.

Luke 21 finishes the presentation of Jesus in Jerusalem as the Messiah of the Jews. This lays a foundation for the Passion Narrative: the final days before Jesus is crucified. Luke 19:28—20:47 covered most of the discussions about His authority which are completed with His words about the widow's sacrificial offering (Luke 21:1–4). The rest of the chapter records His warnings to the disciples about the violence they, the temple, Jerusalem, and the world will face between His ascension and His return. Matthew 24 and Mark 12:41—13:37 cover the same material.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.