How many mites (copper coins) did the poor widow give to the treasury?

In the Gospel of Mark, the story of the poor widow and her two mites is a beautiful illustration of sacrificial giving. She contributed just two tiny coins – often seen as next to nothing – but Jesus highlighted her offering because it came from a place of profound devotion. Unlike the wealthy who tossed in large sums for show, this widow's scant gift was all she had.

This account resonates deeply, drawing attention to the spirit behind the gift rather than its monetary value. It also echoes themes found throughout biblical texts, emphasizing that one’s heart and intention matter more than abundance. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:7, it's noted that "the Lord looks at the heart," highlighting a consistent biblical theme—the measurement of generosity is often spiritual rather than material.

Fun fact: The “mite” comes from the Roman ‘quadrans’, which was the smallest coin and reflected true poverty. Interestingly, this scene takes place in the Temple, a space where displays of wealth occurred frequently. It contrasts greatly with another echo from earlier in Mark (10:25), where Jesus tells His followers that it is harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God.

So, the widow’s offering not only illustrates faithfulness in giving but also encourages us to rethink our concepts of wealth, urging an inspection of our values and how we choose to express generosity.