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how does the old testament concept of tithing relate to this widow's offering?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Mark 12:41-44

“Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much. A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which make a quadrans. Jesus called his disciples to himself, and said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are casting money into the treasury, for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on."”

This passage is found in Mark's Gospel, where Jesus is teaching in the temple courts in Jerusalem just days before his crucifixion. He observes various people bringing offerings and uses a poor widow's small gift to teach his disciples a lesson about true generosity and devotion.

What does giving from the heart, rather than from abundance, ask of us today?

Then — the setting

This event occurs in the first century CE in Jerusalem, specifically within the Temple precincts. The 'treasury' refers to receptacles set up for various offerings. Tithing in ancient Israel (Old Testament) was a mandatory agricultural and livestock offering, typically a tenth (Leviticus 27:30-33, Deuteronomy 14:22). It supported the Levites, priests, and the poor. While tithing was a prescribed percentage, other offerings were voluntary. By Jesus' time, the temple system included various ways to donate beyond strict tithing, often from monetary income. This widow's offering was not a tithe in the traditional sense, but a freewill offering given to the temple.

Across the Testaments

The Old Testament concept of tithing (e.g., Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) established a fixed proportion of one's produce or increase to be given to God, primarily for the upkeep of the religious system and care for the needy. It was a covenant obligation. In the New Testament, while tithing is mentioned (e.g., Matthew 23:23), Jesus' teachings often shift the focus from strict legalistic adherence to the spirit of the law. The widow's offering highlights this shift, emphasizing the heart and sacrifice behind the gift, rather than merely the amount or adherence to a fixed percentage. It moves from an external obligation to an internal disposition of radical generosity.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Deuteronomy 14:22-23
Describes the instruction for tithing in the Old Testament, which was a tenth of produce or animals.
2 Corinthians 8:12
Paul's teaching on proportional giving, emphasizing willingness over amount.
Proverbs 3:9-10
Encourages honoring God with one's wealth, reflecting a spirit of generosity.

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