Mark 12:38-40

Passage

Jesus warns the people against the scribes.  They are all about appearances.  They like to wear the fancy robes.  They like to be recognized in public.  They like to sit at the seats of honor in both the places of worship and at celebrations.  They devour widows.  They prayer long drawn out prayers to make themselves sound important.  Jesus then says that their condemnation will be great.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus offers up a rather blunt teaching as He is closing His day and drawing ever more closely to His trial and crucifixion.  Time draws short, so He becomes blunter.  Again we see that what is important is that truth is heard.  We like to make peace.  We like to smooth over rough edges.  We want people to get along.  All of those things are good, but they cannot get in the way of speaking truth.  We cannot ever be at peace with everyone.  We can ensure people hear truth.

What do you think you value more: truth or peace?  Do your relationships in your life play that out?  Are you surrounded by people in your life that get along with you always or who can speak openly and honestly with you?

Second Thought:

Jesus lifts up the issue of appearance versus character.  Anyone can appear important.  Anyone can appear righteous.  Anyone can appear close to God.   It’s not hard to dress nicely, say all the right words, and get people to pay you compliments.  As human beings, we’re actually quite good at “dress up” – physical, emotional, or spiritual.  But God does not want dress up.  God wants character.  God wants us to be righteous, not appear righteous.  He wants us to live in a holy manner, not appear holy.

How much of your spirituality is for show?  How much of your spirituality is truly who you are deep within?  How do we develop true character that is deep rather than shallow? 

Third Thought:

Jesus says that the scribes will receive the greater condemnation.  The simple truth is that they knew better.  They could read and write.  They had access to the Law.  They had the financial support of the people – devouring widows, as Jesus says.  If they could not be holy in their life and instead chose to chase after the wrong things, there would be no excuse offered.  If anyone has the golden opportunity to be spiritual, it is the spiritual leaders.  When they cannot develop true character and be close to God, there is no excuse at all.

Do you think spiritual leaders are just as susceptible to chasing after the things of this world instead of the things of God?  Do you agree with Jesus that those who are in the position of spiritual leadership will receive the greater condemnation if they do not become obedient to God’s calling?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:41-44