The answer is: 2

Mark 12:42

In the Gospel of Mark, the incident with the poor widow giving her two mites—barely the worth of a penny—highlights a profound lesson about giving and true generosity. TheValue of these coins may seem insignificant, yet Jesus held them up as a powerful example, contrasting her humble offering with the larger sums donated by the wealthy.

This rich narrative invites us to consider the spirit behind our gifts. While the widow’s two mites barely created a ripple, they were profound—a stunning expression of complete trust and devotion. Interestingly, two occurs throughout the Bible, symbolizing balance and partnership; here it signifies her total dedication to what she valued above her own livelihood.

What’s interesting is how often Jesus mingled with those who identified as the "least of these." The widow’s story you see in Mark resonates with themes echoed in other areas of the Bible that bring light to the values of the poor and marginalized. For example, in the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3, blessings are pronounced on the poor in spirit, emphasizing that spiritual wealth doesn’t rely solely on material abundance.

Ultimately, this poignant encounter in the temple illustrates that sometimes, it’s the humble gestures that reveal the greatest wealth of the heart, encouraging you to give—not based on what others might think—but inspired by sincere faith, compassion, and a deep desire to contribute to something greater than oneself. That’s a testament to what it means to live generously.