The Scribes Exposed: Mark 12:38-40
“38) In His teaching He was saying: “Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, 39) and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 40) who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.”” Mark 12:38-40
In this section, Jesus publicly exposed the proud, pious and self righteous pageantry of the Scribes and religious leaders. He laid out six indictments against them.
They parade around in long ornate robes. They demand respectful greetings in the market place. They expect the chief seats in the synagogues. They run to the places of honor at banquets. They gain wealth by preying on widows and devouring their estates. They offer long and eloquent prayers for self praise and notoriety.
This list is sad and tragic. Their hearts were proud, their motives wrong and their intentions were wicked. They were self promoting rather than God honoring.
Jesus warned that it is an easy trap to fall into. A little success, praise from men and seasoning from religion and pride starts its cancerous work.
Both James and Peter warned that God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5) In both texts the devil is present and ready to devour the proud.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global Sent from my iPhone
“38) In His teaching He was saying: “Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, 39) and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 40) who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.”” Mark 12:38-40
In this section, Jesus publicly exposed the proud, pious and self righteous pageantry of the Scribes and religious leaders. He laid out six indictments against them.
They parade around in long ornate robes. They demand respectful greetings in the market place. They expect the chief seats in the synagogues. They run to the places of honor at banquets. They gain wealth by preying on widows and devouring their estates. They offer long and eloquent prayers for self praise and notoriety.
This list is sad and tragic. Their hearts were proud, their motives wrong and their intentions were wicked. They were self promoting rather than God honoring.
Jesus warned that it is an easy trap to fall into. A little success, praise from men and seasoning from religion and pride starts its cancerous work.
Both James and Peter warned that God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5) In both texts the devil is present and ready to devour the proud.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global Sent from my iPhone
