“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44, ESV)
Jesus criticized the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of the Jews. These men were too concerned with their self-righteousness and public image to attend to serving the Lord with proper worship, righteousness or justice. Although they claimed to love and serve God they did not. Rather they showed open disdain for Him by abusing their fellow Jews. They kept the poor in bondage while strutting around in their religious garb looking pious, enjoying the praises of men. Outward appearance was more important than true holiness.
This is why Jesus took note of a poor widow. Her gift, though small, was extraordinarily significant in the eyes of the Lord for it was given out of honor and love for Him. This was in contrast to the huge gifts donated by the rich who gave only to look good and receive the honor and applause of men. The rich Jews of Jesus’ day and indeed the people of ancient Israel and Judah had always neglected the poorest people, the widows and orphans who had no one to care for them. This they did despite the fact that they claimed to be godly and righteous.
This should serve as a warning to us. Many Christians today are overly concerned with how they appear to others both in the church and the world. Many avoid being open and honest before God and man. Many are more concerned about looking holy and religious than serving God in humility. They would rather appear to be happy and upbeat in order to cover up their sins, failures, doubts and feelings of discouragement. Yet God cannot use those who are proud. He always works through the weak and humble to build His Kingdom.