Beware of the Scribes
45 And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples,
46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
Observations & Reflections
| Mark 12:38-40 | Luke 20:45-47 |
|---|---|
| 38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces
39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” |
45 And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples,
46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” |
The warning from Jesus about the scribes is straight from the gospel of Mark. The false piety of the scribes fooled many in that time. The scribes were basically the lawyers of the day and they provided counsel for a fee. Like lawyers today, sometimes they took advantage of the vulnerable, even widows who were left estates.
Jesus has now offended the Pharisees, scribes, and temple money changers. He is clearly not coming to Jerusalem to make friends. However, his difficult words are serious words that need to be heeded. For it will be a terrible day when when religious leaders have to meet their maker.
Without faith and humility we cannot possibly serve the Lord the way he desires.