38. Jesus continued teaching. He said, “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around wearing clothes that look important. And they love for people to show respect to them in the marketplaces.
39. They love to have the most important seats in the synagogues. And they love to have the most important seats at the feasts.
40. They cheat widows and steal their homes. Then they try to make themselves look good by saying long prayers. God will punish these people terribly.”
41. Jesus sat near the Temple money box where people put their gifts. He watched the people put in their money. Many rich people gave large sums of money.
42. Then a poor widow came and gave two very small copper coins. These coins were not worth even a penny.
43. Jesus called his followers to him. He said, “I tell you the truth. This poor widow gave only two small coins. But she really gave more than all those rich people.
44. The rich have plenty; they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor. But she gave all she had. And she needed that money to help her live.”