Too Insignificant Not To Notice

"And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on." Mark 12:41-44

It is interesting how we read scripture and 1), use it to reinforce a point we want to make, 2), either feel good about who we are are or perhaps point the finger at another, or, 3), miss subtle words or phrases that are actually quite significant.

The above scripture is often used to highlight sacrificial giving; or maybe more often, to heap guilt upon those who either are perceived arrogant or self limiting in their giving.  However, there is a word at the beginning of text that I often pass over that influences the entire passage: "observing." Jesus was observing those around him.

If I were in the story, I wonder what I would have noticed (or not).  Would I have seen just one more bag lady, and thought nothing of her? Would I have done my best to avoid her? Perhaps I would simply act like I did not see her.  But Jesus observed her; she was significant to him.

Ashamedly, I often find myself placing value upon people based upon my bias or assumptions.  I see some people and rush to be with them; I see others and try to find the quickest opportunity to part ways.  Jesus noticed people that most ignore; he befriended those who were castaways to others. Maybe more, no one was too unimportant for him not to observe.

Lord give me grace to observe without blinders…