Daily Devotions
Mark
Of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day "Acts 2:29b"
Day 272 – Mark 12
IN THE PUBLIC EYE
The scribes loved being in the centre of social events. And there were many social events! Some of these events would include births, weddings etc. Jesus was not against attending social functions. He Himself attended special dinners in homes! However, the scribes approached these functions differently.
1. “The best seats in the synagogues”
Some events would be held in the local synagogue. Circumcision of baby boys, the coming of age of these boys (Bar Mitzvah)â?¦ these events could well be celebrated in a synagogue. Scribes would be especially invited to offer their “blessings”. But the scribes insist upon being given the best seats in the synagogue (right in front, and facing the congregation).
2. “The best places in feasts”
Most functions were celebrated with plenty of good food. The scribes insist on being given “the best places”. They were there to be seen and admired by the crowds.
3. “Devour widows’ houses”
Being a widow was particularly difficult. Sometimes the only security a widow possesses would be her house. However, there are many ways in which a widow can lose her house. The scribes knew enough of the laws of the nation to manipulate them to their personal advantage. The sorrow of the widows would be multiplied further because they suddenly find that they have lost their house! The scribes through manipulation “devour widows’ houses”. The sad part was that nobody had the courage or the skill to contest the decisions of these cruel and wicked scribes.
4. “For a pretence make long prayers”
The scribes knew how to cover their tracks. They knew how to make “long prayers” to comfort the hearts of the widows and their family members. But to Jesus, who saw through them, these prayers were only a “pretence”.
A STRONG AND SOLEMN WORD OF WARNING
For the longest time, no one had been able to challenge the scribes. They were getting away with their misdeeds, until Jesus came on the scene. Jesus sounded out a firm word of warning to the scribes.
“These will receive greater condemnation.”
MARK 12:40C
1. The condemnation may not come from men.
2. The condemnation will come from God Himself.
3. The condemnation will be both just and very severe (“greater condemnation”).