In Jesus’ day Jewish people went to worship and to make sacrifices to God at the temple in Jerusalem. Sacrifices required by the Law of Moses included the killing of certain animals and the burning of grains and incense. Some kinds of sacrifices could be made any day of the year, while others were only made on special days like the Great Day of Forgiveness (Day of Atonement). Some of the meat that people offered in the temple was eaten by the priests and temple workers who devoted their lives to serving God and making sacrifices for the people of Israel.

In addition to bringing animals and grain to be sacrificed for the forgiveness of sin, the Jewish people also gave vegetables they had grown, valuable items, and money to help with the cost of running the temple and providing for the needs of the priests and temple workers. The Law of Moses also stated that the people should give to the Lord one-tenth of what they grew or earned (Lev 27:30-33; Num 18:21-32). This practice was called tithing.

The Jewish people believed that God was present among them in the most holy place in the temple. Offerings were given to God each day in the same way servants might bring gifts or food to their masters. The size of the gift offered was based on who offered the gift. Poor people, for example, were not expected to offer as much as someone who was wealthy.

Some offerings were presented to God in order to confess guilt and to ask for forgiveness of sins (Lev 4:1—6:7; 6:24-30; 7:1-6; 8:14-17; 16:3-22). Other offerings were presented as a way of worshiping God, giving thanks to God, and showing commitment to God (Lev 1–3; 6:8-23; 7:11-34). Compare the praise Jesus had for the poor widow who gave her last few cents (Luke 21:1-4) with the warning he has for people who make a big show of their generosity while neglecting important matters of the Law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matt 23:23,24).