Mark 12:38 As (Jesus) taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” 41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Mark offers two back-to-back stories as a vehicle of comparison. First there are the scribes who seek public recognition. Then we have a poor widow who would have been practically invisible to others. She gives to the Lord all she has, prompting Jesus to comment, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.”

It’s obvious Jesus isn’t talking about a financial reality because others gave much more than the poor widow. Jesus is talking about the currency of the Kingdom of God – which is faith, not money. In the Kingdom of God it is faith that moves mountains, not money. It is faith that heals the sick, not money. It is faith that casts out demons, not money. It is faith in Jesus that yields eternal life, not money. When the widow put in all she had she made herself completely dependent on God’s provision, trusting that God would give her “daily bread”. God would not let her down.

I don’t like being dependent, do you? I’ll bet not. Dependency is scary. We’re taught from an early age to prepare for contingencies so we can avoid dependence. But Jesus regularly invites people to choose dependence and follow after him. And when we trust in the Lord, having no other options but the Lord, his faithfulness shines through.

I’m wondering where the Lord may be inviting me to choose dependence. What about you? Lord you are worthy to be trusted. Give us grace to embrace you with all our hearts. Amen.