READ: Mark 12:38-40: Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, … These will receive greater condemnation.
The Lord speaks severe words against the scribes. Because they reject Him and lead the people in this rejection, it is crucial for the people and the disciples to see their true nature.
The scribes had an important task in the furthering of God’s Word, but where does their heart lie? Do they care about the church members, the flock? Or is everything about self-interest? Are they reliable, or do they simply maintain appearances?
This is a question that every church office bearer must answer for themselves even now. Do they see it as something profitable? (1 Tim. 3:3,8; Tit. 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:2). The Lord judges everyone according to their deeds, including office bearers and scribes. To warn people, He indicates how they behave, something everyone can check.
First and foremost, they are not humble, as they should be as good examples. They eagerly flaunt their beautiful expensive clothing to attract attention and be openly honored by people. The same happens in the synagogue: they sit in the front seats because they consider themselves so important. They also prefer sitting in places of honor at meals (Luke 14:8).
Their piety also turns out to be a sham: they offer very long prayers, but in the meantime, they defraud the poor and widows, exploiting them financially. They indulge themselves at the expense of those who are in financial need and are easily victims of injustice.
But God sees everything, and so does Christ. He sees their behavior and their hearts (Ps. 139:1-6; John 2:25; 21:17; Heb. 4:13). They will receive a more severe judgment, also because they know God and His commandments better than others and still sin.
What a contrast to what Jesus Himself teaches in Mark 10:44,45: “whoever of you wants to become important, must be your servant”; and in 10:15: “whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will certainly not enter it.”
Do you examine yourself on these things?
Singing: Ps. 139:1,13