Christ unsparingly condemned abuses, but He was careful not to lessen obligation. He rebuked the selfishness that extorted and misapplied the widow's gifts. At the same time He commended the widow who brought her offering for God's treasury. Man's abuse of the gift could not turn God's blessing from the giver.

Kristus fordømte skånselsløst misbrug, men han var omsorgsfuld for ikke at mindske forpligtelserne. Han dadlede den selviskhed, der fravristede enkerne gaver og derefter misbrugte dem. Samtidig roste han den enke, der bragte sin offergave til Guds skatkammer. Menneskers misbrug af gaven kunne ikke vende Guds velsignelse bort fra giveren.