Today, Gates devotes himself to philanthropy. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he’s tackling global healthcare, education, and climate change. He has even pledged to give away 99% of his wealth, with plans to empty the foundation’s coffers by 2045—over $200 billion in all. A noble endeavour indeed.
But here’s the question: what might Jesus say to Bill Gates?
Surprisingly, based on today’s passage in Luke 21:1–4, perhaps He would say: “Why are you giving so little?”
That sounds shocking, doesn’t it? Yet that’s exactly the point Jesus drives home in this encounter at the temple.
The Poor Giving of the Rich
Luke tells us:
“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury” (Luke 21:1).
The setting is the temple courts in Jerusalem, near the offering chests where worshippers dropped their freewill offerings. The receptacles were metal and trumpet-shaped, designed so that coins would clang loudly as they fell in. The wealthier you were, the louder the sound you made.
The religious elites loved this kind of performance. They enjoyed their flowing robes, honored greetings, and the best seats at banquets. Their giving, like their public prayers, wasn’t about God at all—it was about themselves.
Yes, they gave large sums. But in God’s economy, their giving was poor. Why? Because they gave out of abundance. They kept plenty for themselves. Like Bill Gates giving away billions yet still keeping billions, the rich gave much—but sacrificed little.
The Rich Giving of the Poor
Then Jesus notices someone else.
“He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins” (Luke 21:2).
The contrast couldn’t be sharper. The wealthy gave from a position of status; this widow had none. They were admired and applauded; she was likely invisible. They gave what cost them nothing; she gave what cost her everything.
Jesus explains:
“This poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:3–4).
Her offering amounted to a fraction of a penny, but in God’s sight it outweighed the heavy bags of coins. Why? Because she didn’t just give money—she gave herself. She entrusted her whole life to God.
What About Us?
Talking about money can feel uncomfortable, but Jesus spoke about it often because our giving reveals our hearts. The widow’s example forces us to ask: how should we give?
Here are five principles drawn from this passage:
1. Self-Giving
Everything we have—time, talents, resources—comes from God. Like the widow, our giving should be an act of devotion, a way of saying, “It all belongs to You.”
2. Strategic Giving
The rich gave to be seen, but their offerings did nothing for widows like her. Our giving should meet real needs, especially through gospel-centred work. Supporting local churches and Christian organizations ensures both physical and spiritual needs are addressed.
3. Sacrificial Giving
If we hardly notice what we give, it probably isn’t sacrificial. True generosity stretches us. As one believer said to me after decades of tithing: “We decided to trust God with the first 10%, and He has never failed to provide.”
4. Systematic Giving
Paul urged the Corinthians to set aside money regularly and intentionally (1 Corinthians 16:2). Giving isn’t meant to be an afterthought but a prayerful, planned act of worship.
5. Secret and Satisfying Giving
Unlike the clanging coins of the temple, our giving should be quiet, seen only by God. And far from being a burden, it becomes a source of joy. As Paul reminds us, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Investing in Eternity
By 2045, the Gates Foundation will have closed its doors, its billions spent. But the widow’s two coins still speak today, echoing through scripture as a timeless example of faith-filled generosity.
Our days, too, are numbered. We may not have billions, but we each have time, talents, and treasure to invest. The question is not just what will we give? but also what will we keep?
Talk Headings (Luke 21:1-4)
1. The Poor Giving of the Rich
2. The Rich giving of the Poor
3. Giving ourselves and giving our money
a) Self Giving
b) Strategic Giving
c) Sacrificial giving
d) Systematic Giving
e) Secret Giving
f) Satisfying giving
Series: Windows on Vision from Widows in Luke - Vision Sundays 2025
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