Warning Against Self-Seeking. Mark 12:38-40.
And in his teaching, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in market places. “and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, “who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
Dear Children of the Heavenly Father,
One of the problems of formalism in religion is a preoccupation with appearances. Jesus’ warning against the scribes should be seen in this broader sense.
Display (v. 38). The scribes dressed in robes made them easily recognizable. They freely welcomed, even sought, greetings from the people in public places. Not that people should not greet one another, but in this case, the greetings were more a form of obeisance to the scribes, not reciprocal exchanges of well-wishes.
Demand (v. 39). At public functions, whether in the synagogues or at feasts, the scribes would be seated at the high table, whether the hosts desired it or not. No one was willing to cross the interpreters of the law – their wrath could well be the wrath of God – so the scribes got what they wanted.
Devour (v. 40). What Jesus means here is that the scribes would cheat widows out of their possessions, while masking their greed and dishonesty with long and most likely, pompous prayers. Because of this, they incur God’s wrath and judgment on themselves. It is easy for those in positions of religious authority to take advantage of the flock for personal gain. People generally do not question spiritual leaders, but God is watching. Let us not forget. There is a Day of Judgment coming.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.