During a Tuesday visit to the Temple, Jesus observed a magnanimous display of sacrifice.

As He looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” – Luke 21:1-4

Jesus watched lots of people parade past the offering box that Tuesday. Some left large, substantial donations, others brought what they thought to be a sufficient amount to assuage their conscience and help them feel good about themselves for fulfilling their religious duty.

A dear woman obviously of meager means offered what seemed to some a pittance, to others one so insignificant that she shouldn’t have bothered, and to still others an embarrassment. However, of all the worshipers that day, she caught Jesus’ attention, not for the size of her gift, but for the size of her sacrifice. Everyone else that day brought what they could spare, but she brought all that she had.

What do we bring to Jesus? Our spare time? Our left over money? What is left of our brain at the end of a day? Whatever open spots we might find on our calendar? We have mastered the skill of giving up just enough to look good to others and feel good about ourselves, but Jesus knows what of our treasures (possessions, time, talents, relationships, attitudes, among others) we hold back for ourselves.

Let’s reassess our priorities this Easter season. After all, Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Let’s give Him “all we have to live on” from every area of our lives.