The Delusion of Self Importance: Luke 20:45-47
“45) And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, 46) “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 47) who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”” Luke 20:45-47
This warning against the scribes in the gospel of Luke corresponds to Matthew 23. In that chapter, Jesus pronounced seven woe’s against the scribes and Pharisees. He called them hypocrites and blind guides of the people. The whole chapter is a broader commentary on these three verses in the gospel of Luke.
It’s tragic, but religious leaders of prominence carry great clout and influence. They influence many people. If the broader system becomes institutionalized, it can exploit and deceive many people.
There is a broader biblical principle behind this trend. Satan targets large institutions that exert influence over many people. These include major world religions, liberal Christan denominations, political movements, educational institutions, social organizations and even large corporations.
The leaders at the top of these organizations exert huge influence and power over people. They become bigger than life. If they become liberal, immoral, and anti-Christ in values, they can sway many away from God.
This also holds true for musicians, sports figures, actors and anyone in the public eye. Because they have huge following, Satan targets them. But the grace of God also wants to reach them and use them for great good.
The chief priests, scribes and Pharisees in the days of Jesus are the prime example of this tendency. Those at the top can become intoxicated by their own importance and power. They can become tools of the enemy, even though they rule over something inherently good.
Such was the case with these religious leaders. They began to worship and serve the god in the mirror. They displaced God and became the highest authority in their own imagination. They crucified Jesus to protect their own authority.
As God begins to bless you, whether in business, sports or ministry, guard your own heart. As your influence becomes greater, so does your accountability before God! Purpose to be a servant-leader for the kingdom. Purpose to point many people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“45) And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, 46) “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 47) who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”” Luke 20:45-47
This warning against the scribes in the gospel of Luke corresponds to Matthew 23. In that chapter, Jesus pronounced seven woe’s against the scribes and Pharisees. He called them hypocrites and blind guides of the people. The whole chapter is a broader commentary on these three verses in the gospel of Luke.
It’s tragic, but religious leaders of prominence carry great clout and influence. They influence many people. If the broader system becomes institutionalized, it can exploit and deceive many people.
There is a broader biblical principle behind this trend. Satan targets large institutions that exert influence over many people. These include major world religions, liberal Christan denominations, political movements, educational institutions, social organizations and even large corporations.
The leaders at the top of these organizations exert huge influence and power over people. They become bigger than life. If they become liberal, immoral, and anti-Christ in values, they can sway many away from God.
This also holds true for musicians, sports figures, actors and anyone in the public eye. Because they have huge following, Satan targets them. But the grace of God also wants to reach them and use them for great good.
The chief priests, scribes and Pharisees in the days of Jesus are the prime example of this tendency. Those at the top can become intoxicated by their own importance and power. They can become tools of the enemy, even though they rule over something inherently good.
Such was the case with these religious leaders. They began to worship and serve the god in the mirror. They displaced God and became the highest authority in their own imagination. They crucified Jesus to protect their own authority.
As God begins to bless you, whether in business, sports or ministry, guard your own heart. As your influence becomes greater, so does your accountability before God! Purpose to be a servant-leader for the kingdom. Purpose to point many people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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