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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Mark 12:38 - 12:40
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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mar_12:38-40
38In His teaching He was saying: "Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, 39and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 40who devour widows' houses, and for appearance's sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation."
Mar_12:38 "'the scribes who like to'" The temporal connection between Mar_12:25-27 and Mar_12:38-40 is uncertain. Obviously He is addressing the same category of leaders (i.e., scribes), but it is uncertain if the scribes of 35-37 are being addressed or other scribes who like to flaunt their religion. Surely Jesus' words also relate to the Sadducees and the Pharisees who put on a religious show in order to be recognized by the people.
▣ "'who like to walk around in long robes'" This refers to a distinctive white linen tallith with large blue tassels worn by the scribes. The Talmud taught that one is required to stand in the presence of a rabbi. These men liked this special treatment (i.e., distinctive prayer shawls, respectful greetings, best seats in worship, and place of honor at meals). They had it all, but missed Christ!
Mar_12:40 "'who devour widow's houses'" This may be metaphorical language referring to (1) the burden of almsgiving that these leaders required of all the people or (2) the practice of convincing widows to give their inheritance (i.e., livelihood) to the temple. This thereby refers to the manipulative fund-raising techniques of the religious leaders.
▣ "'for appearance's sake offer long prayers'" They prayed to be seen by others, not heard by God. Their religion was an outward show (cf. Isa_29:13; Mat_7:21-23; Col_2:16-23), but they did not recognize God's greatest gift!
▣ "they will receive greater condemnation" Their religious faith was an outward show, not an active inner faith of love and service (cf. Mar_12:28-34). This phrase may reflect (1) degrees of punishment (cf. Mat_10:15; Mat_11:22; Mat_11:24; Mat_18:6; Mat_25:21; Mat_25:23; Luk_12:47-48; Luk_20:47; Jas_3:1) or (2) Oriental metaphorical overstatement (i.e., hyperbole).
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