Jesus and Widows

 

 

I was glad to be able to join the widows monthly meeting last week. 

Looking through the Bible to find something to share I was reminded how much Jesus loves widows. From Luke’s gospel alone we found:

Widow’s importance:  Luke 2.37 tells of Anna who’s been widowed many years meeting baby Jesus.  And where others miss the significance she sees and tells - her words crucial for what’s to come.  Perhaps her insight comes from a less distracted life, or how her loss has grown her longing, or a special intimacy with God.  Whatever, she’s hugely important in the story. 
   
God’s care:  Luke 4.26 speaks of God’s provision for widows during a famine in Elijah’s time.  God’s heart has always been stirred by those in special need and vulnerability.
     
Jesus cares:  Following his Father’s lead, Jesus often stops for widows.  In Luke 7.12 for example he raises a widow's only son, saving her from destitution. 

Widows have much to offer:  In Luke 18.3 Jesus uses a story of a widow’s persistence to teach everyone else.  The very vulnerability and need that a widow may have teaches us all a spiritual lesson.  This is how we must be before God. 
 
Churches must care:  In Luke 20.47 Jesus gets angry with the Pharisees for not caring for widows.  He is taking on the role of “defender.”  In contrast, the early church (see Acts 6, James 1) are to practically care for widows if their religion is to be acceptable.  This is why the widows group among other things is so important. 

Jesus sees you:  Luke 21.2 is the story of the “widow's mite.”  A very poor widow placing into the collection the last of her money and Jesus honours her.  Living alone can mean a person stops feeling that anything matters.  After all no one sees.  But Jesus has special eyes for widows.  He sees every little act of faith, every moment of devotion to him. 

So remember to value, and pray for widows in the Fellowship.