Word@Work 148 - Mark 12:38-40
Published: Thu, 06/19/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 12:38-4 As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the market-places, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." (NIV)
The crowds had been listening with delight, as Jesus cut through the pomposity and cynical arrogance of the religious leaders. Now Jesus rebuked these men publicly! Warning the crowds against the self-righteous and self-seeking clerics, Jesus was advising the ordinary people not to get caught up in the religious hatred that would finally call for His death. In exposing these men for what they were, Jesus was also sealing His own death warrant.
The power of pride is immense. The rabbis were supposed to teach God's truth but instead, they used their supposed holiness for personal popular applause. And they extracted money from vulnerable people, to line their own pockets. Prayer was no longer in relationship with God but a showpiece of oratory - just acting up to the crowd. So, Jesus said that severe punishment awaited them.
James, the brother of the Lord Jesus realised that His comments were not just for Pharisees, but for Christians as well. He wrote, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." (James 3:1). So we need to examine ourselves and root out any self-stained motive that would like to use fellowship or ministry for personal advantage. Paul repeats the instruction in 1 Cor. 11:27-31 (click the link!). So, perhaps it is high time for a motive-audit ... before the inspection starts.
Prayer: Father God. Please make me realise that my relationship with You - is not for a play-acting display towards others, but to serve You. Forgive me when I have used Christian fellowship or ministry to my own advantage; and help me to repent by renouncing any such evil way - so that You may be glorified. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The crowds had been listening with delight, as Jesus cut through the pomposity and cynical arrogance of the religious leaders. Now Jesus rebuked these men publicly! Warning the crowds against the self-righteous and self-seeking clerics, Jesus was advising the ordinary people not to get caught up in the religious hatred that would finally call for His death. In exposing these men for what they were, Jesus was also sealing His own death warrant.
The power of pride is immense. The rabbis were supposed to teach God's truth but instead, they used their supposed holiness for personal popular applause. And they extracted money from vulnerable people, to line their own pockets. Prayer was no longer in relationship with God but a showpiece of oratory - just acting up to the crowd. So, Jesus said that severe punishment awaited them.
James, the brother of the Lord Jesus realised that His comments were not just for Pharisees, but for Christians as well. He wrote, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." (James 3:1). So we need to examine ourselves and root out any self-stained motive that would like to use fellowship or ministry for personal advantage. Paul repeats the instruction in 1 Cor. 11:27-31 (click the link!). So, perhaps it is high time for a motive-audit ... before the inspection starts.
Prayer: Father God. Please make me realise that my relationship with You - is not for a play-acting display towards others, but to serve You. Forgive me when I have used Christian fellowship or ministry to my own advantage; and help me to repent by renouncing any such evil way - so that You may be glorified. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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