The Widow's Offering
The Widow’s Offering is such a well-known story, often used in sermons to describe how we should give all we can with our money, time and talents to church, just as the anonymous widow gave her last few coins.
Giving a face to this woman suddenly sparks questions. Was it right for her to give away all her money? How would she survive? Should it not be a duty of care for the faith community to look after this widow?
During the painting of this portrait, Iain was asked several times, “Why does she have 3 coins in her hand? Should she not have two, just like in the story?”
She has three coins in her hand, because that’s exactly what Janine (the model) had in her pocket.
Widow's Offering
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:1-4 (NIVUK)
Downloads
Explore this painting in more detail with our free PDF including colour-in section.
The Widow's Offering: Painting Handout Download
This study considers both the Biblical text and the painting on which it is based, encouraging participants to think about how to apply the Biblical text to their context.
The Widow's Offering: Bible Study Download
Explore the paintings
The Portrait Gospel
The Gospel of Luke uniquely illustrated by Iain Campbell
The Portrait Gospel is uniquely illustrated by Iain Campbell. By using modern day Glaswegians as his models, Iain’s compelling paintings bring 21st century life to the words of a first century disciple.
Copies of The Portrait Gospel are available to buy in person from St George’s Tron Church, Glasgow.
© 2023 The Scottish Bible Society
Scottish Charity No. SC010767
Registered Office: 7 Hampton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5XU, United Kingdom
