THE WIDOW’S MITE AND THE CONTROVERSIES ASSOCIATED WITH ITS INTERPRETATION Mark 12: 41-44 and Luke 21: 1-4

Abstract

This paper examined the widow’s mite and the controversies associated with its interpretation in Mark 12: 41-44 and Luke 21:1-4. The story generated lots of wrong interpretations which this paper tried to correct. The methodologies used were hermeneutical and exegetical analysis of the text without bias to Jesus’ true meaning of this teaching.   The truth of the matter in this lesson is not on the given amount of money but the spirit in which the gift is given. True giving is to give without reservation and the moral issue from the story is that alms and other pious gifts should correspond with ones means. The text never contrasted human evaluation with that of the divine. The story provided no comparism and there was no blame game. It is recommended that every giver should give willingly without any reference point. No one is levied what he or she should give to the temple treasurer. Although, this story generated unnecessary controversies, which are at variance with the teaching of Jesus, however, Jesus rather praised the widow for her ability to give despite her poor situation.