12:41–44 This episode concludes the section in which Jesus teaches and debates in the temple area (11:15–12:44). It is connected with the preceding paragraph (12:38–40) by the mention of widows. In addition, the simple piety of the widow is a powerful contrast to the self-seeking ambition for which scribes are condemned in the former passage. As previously the disciples are given the example of the child (9:35–36; 10:13–16) as a figure of humble circumstances, so here we have another type of person who has no social standing offered as an example. Further, the contrast between the poor widow and the rich who give impressive gifts to the temple reminds us of Jesus’ warning about how riches are an obstacle to discipleship and obedience to God (10:17–31).

The virtue of the widow’s gift lies …