Overview
The mite was the smallest coin in circulation during New Testament times, worth approximately 1/64th of a denarius. In both Gospel accounts, Jesus observes a poor widow placing two mites into the temple treasury and commends her for giving more than the wealthy donors, since she gave "all that she had to live on" (Luke 21:4, ESV).
Key Scriptures
"And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent" (Mark 12:42, NASB). "And he said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on'" (Luke 21:3-4, NIV).
Application
God values faithful generosity regardless of the amount given; what matters is the heart's surrender and willingness to sacrifice for His kingdom.