Mark 11:41-42 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
An “Eagle Eye” means a person who is watchful and careful to notice even the very small details and the minute specks.
The eyes of the Lord measure our giving by the fullness of our heart. Jesus sat opposite the temple treasury that was placed in the east portico, also called ‘the Court of the Woman’. This treasury box is the same collection box mentioned in Joshua 6:19; Ezra 2:69 and Nehemiah 7:70–71. There were thirteen repositories in the temple treasury and Jesus watched the rich throwing large amounts of money and the widow putting/depositing two very small copper coins. ‘To throw’ is to propel something with force but ‘to put’ is to place or deposit. Throwing would have made noise, but placing would have been subtle and unnoticeable.
The Eagle Eyes of the Lord does not notice the bountiful giving but the benevolence of the heart. The eyes of the Lord don’t stop at the hands; He sees into our hearts. He measures our love for Him not in currency but with compassion. Giving out of compulsion, peer pressure of fear has no returns but giving out of love and the fullness of our heart accumulates treasures in heaven. Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand (1 Chronicles 29:14b). The widow not only gave her tithe (1/10th) she also gave her grocery money, rent and travel allowance, just to express her love and thankfulness. Though it was only two small copper coins it was all that she had. She gave everything that she had and the eyes of Jesus noticed and commended her.
The Lord’s Eagle’s Eyes:
1. Mite: The two copper coins were ‘two mites’ (Greek lepta) worth a quadrans, the smallest Roman coin. A mite/lepton was the least valuable coin in circulation in Judea, worth about six minutes of an average daily wage! So the widow’s earning was only worth 12 minutes of a daily wage yet she was appreciated as the eyes of Jesus saw her heart not her hands. Our smallest contribution in wealth or works may be unnoticed or even mocked by people but it will never miss the eyes of the Almighty God.
2. Money: God does not need our money to replenish the treasury of heaven. Those who try to gain power with their wealth are only fools in the eyes of God. Despite their networth, their divine bank account will be in deficit.
3. Measure: God measures the fullness of our heart not our hands. He does not honour the ‘penny’ but the ‘piety’ in our hearts.
The Eagle Eyes of the Lord will notice even a mite when it is given with the fullness of our hearts.
2 Corinthians 9:8 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, everything I’m blessed with is from You. Help me to give and serve from the fullness of my heart. Amen.
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