When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood." (Lk 21:1-4)
Jesus was watching the people putting money into the treasury. It is said that there was a collection box at the entrance of the temple and the money gathered there was used for the maintenance of the temple. Since this was outside the temple even foreigners and women could offer their gifts to God.
Jesus also noticed a poor widow putting in her contribution. But the truth is that she needed to be cared for because she was poor and also she need assistance because she was a widow. In fact she should be on the receiving end. She has contributed here. Jesus underlines the action of her and makes it known to all.
Jesus appreciates and acknowledges here contribution because she has not given anything from the surplus of her wealth but rather she has given all what she had for her living. By giving she loses here livelihood whereas others do not lose anything because what they give is only from the surplus. Giving should make us suffer, it should pain us and it should make lose something.
