Mark 12:38 As he taught them, he said, “Watch out for the kind of Torah-teachers who like to walk around in robes and be greeted deferentially in the marketplaces, 39 who like to have the best seats in the synagogues and take the places of honor at banquets, 40 who like to swallow up widows’ houses while making a show of davvening at great length. Their punishment will be all the worse!”
41 Then Yeshua sat down opposite the Temple treasury and watched the crowd as they put money into the offering-boxes. Many rich people put in large sums, 42 but a poor widow came and put in two small coins. 43 He called his talmidim to him and said to them, “Yes! I tell you, this poor widow has put more in the offering-box than all the others making donations. 44 For all of them, out of their wealth, have contributed money they can easily spare; but she, out of her poverty, has given everything she had to live on.” (Complete Jewish Bible).
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Beware! Beware of the scribes! Not because they're scary or violent. But beware, and be cautious not to put them on too high a pedestal. Be cautious, that you not try to imitate them as a means of living rightly. Sure, they may walk around like they have it all together, like they are very prestigious, like everyone should respect them, but at what cost? At the cost of those the Lord has deemed the most vulnerable.
What Jesus is saying here is that fame for fame's sake is not a good enough goal, if along the way you are not caring for the widow and the orphan. Ask yourself, "Who do I look up to, and why?" Is it because of what they've done? Is it because of what they've said? Now consider what it took for them to get to where they are. Are they still honorable?
Holy One, open our eyes so we might see clearly what is false righteousness and what is your truth. Guide us toward role models whose paths are paved in service toward you and your kingdom. Keep us mindful of who we're called to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Emily Martin, '17
Associate Pastor, Cambridge Lutheran Church, Cambridge, Minn.
Mark 12:38 As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces,39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets!
40 They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.
42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny.
43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.
44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on." (New Revised Standard Version).
The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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