July 18 & 19, 2026
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Reading along with us in 2 Chronicles and Luke? Here’s today’s reading:
Luke 21 (NIV)
The Widow’s Offering
1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3“Truly I tell you,”he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.…..Continue Reading
Next: 2 Chronicles 15
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Back: 2 Chronicles 14
It is not the amount of the gift that matters but the heart and the level of sacrifice. And as Jesus answers the questions of the disciples, He must describe things consistent with 70AD when the temple was destroyed by the Romans (Gentiles) as well as things consistent with the end when He will return. He emphasizes a few things relative to those. First it is deception, watching out for people saying they are Him. Next is economic and political disruption, wars and rumors of wars. The third is persecution where people will come against believers and condemn their faith and cause them harm. Lastly is cosmic events and atmospheric destruction. We don’t know what of these we will face, but it is wise for us to be strengthened in faith and emboldened in courage for such times.
Luke 21
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Luke 21
Psalm 141; Ezra 5; Luke 21
This is one of those places where it’s useful to recognize scripture didn’t originally have chapter breaks.
So Jesus talking about the widow’s offering would happen directly after what He just said at the end of the previous chapter:
“And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love personal greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive all the more condemnation.””
Luke 20:45-47 NASB2020
So He isn’t just exalting the widow for her gift, but He’s specifically condemning the scribes who made her so poor to begin with.
Luke 21
I get confused with the timing in what Jesus says here. It sounds like it takes place from his death and resurrection up to 70AD, then jumps to the end times described in Revelation. With that being said, we must always be ready. The state of the world will go from bad to worse, and so we need to always be busy doing the things of the Lord so we are not caught in a vice when these terrible things happen. Jesus says it perfectly, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap… Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
I found it interesting that the chapter starts with the widow’s gift and the point Jesus makes using it. She gave and experienced true sacrifice as a result of that gift. Her devotion was to God and not the material things of this world. Then He teaches of end times and what will happen and what we will experience. The importance of being prepared and ultimately having a heart like the widow, bended to Him, hearing His voice and knowing admist the whirlwind where our eyes need to be fixed so we don’t get swept away in the deception and the material things that might distract us from His return.
When the disciples asks these questions, I believe Jesus’ answers cover each one, which cover different time periods. We quote the verse, “no one knows the day or the hour” but Jesus here says to pay attention to “all the trees”. “Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.”
Luke 21:29-31 NKJV
We won’t know the instant, but we will know the signs of the season.
We can expect persecution as the day draws near, but we need not fear. “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.”
Luke 21:12-15 NKJV
I suppose this could apply to what the early believers faced, but I think it will happen again. Although we will face this, the HS will prepare us and we need not fear.
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.””
Luke 21:27-28 NKJV
When the world sees Jesus return, they see wrath and judgment. When we see Jesus return, we see redemption.
She gave all. I give out of my wealth. It doesn’t hurt me at all. Nothing special. I don’t give beyond convenience or safety Jesus tells us to be always watching. To be spiritually fit. Not knowing what day. But to always be looking up for his return.