As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long
robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the
best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour
widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will
receive the greater condemnation.’ He sat down opposite the treasury, and
watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in
large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are
worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you,
this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the
treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out
of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’