Observations on the Story of the Widow's Mites

NOTE: THE LINKS BELOW HAVE BEEN UPDATED
This video is based a letter I wrote to a friend last year about my concerns with the traditional interpretation of the story.

Most pastors take this story out of its context. It makes no sense that Jesus, who is in the middle of a warning to His disciples about the scribes devouring widows' houses, would suddenly interrupt the lesson with a story on giving by poor widows. I believe that the story is part and parcel of His warning and an illustration of how the scribes were "devouring widows' houses."

I have heard preachers and bible study teachers go so far as to say that the widow probably received more than she gave. This is patently ridiculous considering that the corrupt religious leaders were "devouring widow's houses."

Additional food for thought: Jesus had just condemned the corrupt system of Judaism - if this is an example of how to give, and if we are to follow the widow's example, we would be giving everything we have to corrupt, apostate religious institutions.

(It should be noted that the story, complete with Jesus' warnings of the scribes, appears in the book of Luke as well, but it is divided between two chapters. We need to keep in mind that the chapters and verses were not there in the original text and the divisions are not inspired; they weren't added until much later.)

For a more thorough study on this issue please visit:

Abusing the Poor Part 1
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6886225604464879344&ei=FSqsSs3-Ba...

Abusing the Poor Part 2
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6886225604464879344&ei=FSqsSs3-Ba...

Abusing the Poor Transcript
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Transcripts/42-251


The Truth About the Widow's Gift Part 1
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3288331606558152628#

The Truth About the Widow's Gift Part 2
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=386548514447207237#

Category:

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• devour
• widows'
• houses
• doctrinal
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[john146only]

Cont' that this is about cross compare between the wicked whitewashed tombs who have dead men's bones inside but looked like the servants of God, and the comparison of a poor, old haggard women who was honest, faithful and more true and gave her whole little wallet or money that was worth like a penny or less in today's times. If I am wrong, may God forgive me. But I don't think I am. I have consulted a lot of commentaries and we have been given teachers the bible says, plus the text is clear.

[thrufaithalone]

john146only-"a poor, old haggard women who was honest, faithful and more true" or of a poor woman who was deceived by religious leaders who were in the habit of devouring widow's houses; let's not forget the context.

[trimille]

I came to this conclusion during a meeting that promoted the "Prosperity Gospel." (which I had become very familiar with)

If the scripture were to support this "gospel" wouldn't the Lord of used the widow's mite to show if you give of all your living and name that seed in whatever you need or want you will recieve a hundred fold return if you have the faith of the widow....etc.? NO, he didn't.

[YouThoughtYouKnew]

Well said! And I agree...the truth contained in this video is like a pearl of great price! EXCELLENT Expose!

God Bless!

[edwardpf123]

Amen. I commented on the other video as well. Again,thank you for posting this,it has helped me see the verse in context. You are correct, it was being seen as a rebuke of the corrupt system, not a praise for the act.

[grfield1]

Way cool. Makes more sense that way. This application is more in line with biblical teaching.

[ocpud2999]

this is what calvin said about it. "a highly useful doctrine, that whatever men offer to God ought to be estimated not by its apparent value, but only by the feeling of the heart, and that the holy affection of him who, according to his small means, offers to God the little that he has, is more worthy of esteem than that of him who offers a hundred times more out of his abundance." 1

[thrufaithalone]

AmadeusWalton-It's ok; God bless you for a desire to study and research the truth!

[AmadeusWalton]

I see, Luke 21:4 made it a bit clearer saying "of her penury" as opposed to 'want', I thought it was a desire to give as opposed to 'she was left wanting' or with a lack. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[thrufaithalone]

john146only-I posted a couple of replies to this comment but they didn't post (at least not in the last half hour) I'm going to post the references in the sidebar, so you can access them there (it may be a while before I get to it) For a quick study on this issue you may want to invest in Nave's Topical Bible; it really helps get a quick and thorough overview of most topics.

[thrufaithalone]

Matthew16:3-9 cont'd-"It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."