Matthew Henry Commentary Mark 12:41-44

"And he sat down over against the treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury: for they all did cast in of their superfluity; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living." — Mark 12:41-44 (ASV)

Let us not forget that Jesus still sees the treasury. He knows how much, and from what motives, people give to his cause. He looks at the heart, and what our intentions are in giving alms; and whether we do it as to the Lord, or only to be seen by others. It is so rare to find anyone who would not blame this widow, that we cannot expect to find many who will act as she did; yet our Saviour commends her, and therefore we are sure that she acted well and wisely. The feeble efforts of the poor to honour their Saviour will be commended in that day, when the splendid actions of unbelievers will be exposed to contempt.