The scribes prided themselves on their religious learning and observances. As a result, they were respected and admired by the common people. In addition, the "best seats" in the synagogue, that is, those facing the people, were reserved for them. This caused them to wear distinctive clothing which set them apart. Jesus, however, criticized them not only for their pompous behaviour and their display of long-winded prayers, but also for their greed to exploit the helpless.

So, Jesus directed the disciples' attention to the unnamed widow. He contrasted the true piety of the widow against the counterfeit piety of the scribes. The poor widow who wins Jesus' admiration represents the common people. The "copper coins" she drops into the receptacle which is placed in the court of the temple, was an insignificant sum. It needs no recognition.The mention of the two coins is important. The widow could have kept one for herself, and no one would have blamed her.

Like the widow in Sidon who unselfishly shared the little she had with the prophet Elijah, the widow at the Temple was also ready to give her all – "her whole living". In a way, both of them let go of every shred of security and committed themselves totally to God. The pittance contributed by the poor widows are immeasurably greater gifts than those given by most people. As such, they teach an important lesson – to serve God is to give all to God.