‘Jesus Said, “This poor widow, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”’ (Mark 12:44)

The Temple tax paid by the Israelis were used for maintaining the service of Temple. One of the items would be the living cost of the priests, Levites and salary for the staff working in the Temple.

According to Joseph the Historian: At the time of Jesus, whenever the Jewish men reached the age of twenty (with the exception of women and servants), who are living in the Holy Land or some where else should pay the annual Temple tax (about USD0.70).

According to the Gospel of Mark, the poor widow who gave a little amount was estimated at USD0.05.

In Joseph’s annotation, the poor widow had no obligation to pay the Temple tax. However, she contributed her whole livelihood to the Temple!

Jesus appreciated the poor widow’s generosity. “Where is your treasure kept is where your heart will be!” This woman put her heart to the Temple.
  
She had practiced what Jesus had taught, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?.... Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:25-34)

Lord Jesus, please help us increase our faith in You!