WATCH OUT FOR PHONIES
38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Mark 12:38-40
God is never fooled by public opinion and accolades. The religion scholars of Jesus’ day were the Ph.D.’s (I suppose), of our day; the experts because of their so-called learning. They were held in high esteem and basked in the elevated position their learning afforded them. Jesus’ warning must have come as a shock to His disciples because they looked up to the educated ones as the ones with knowledge, therefore they were superior.
Once again Jesus approached the matter from a kingdom perspective. The man who questioned Him about the greatest commandment may have had intellectual insight but how did his life match his words? As for the rest, they were way off base. Their attitudes and behaviour cancelled out any knowledge, understanding or insight they may have had regarding the ways of God. Jesus summarised their behaviour in one sentence, “They devour widows’ houses and, for a show, make lengthy prayers.”
In the debates and conversations Jesus had with people, He clearly revealed God’s attitude to those who set themselves up above others. He put His own disposition in a nutshell – “I am gentle and humble in heart” – and He mirrored it in His life and ministry. To the Father, a gentle and humble attitude far outweighs any “knowledge” a person might have. The Apostle Paul said, “Knowledge puffs up but love builds up.”
Jesus was constantly pulling people back to reality. Never allow people to impress you by their words and actions. Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. If I have knowledge, how do I apply it to my own life first? Of what value is my knowledge to me first before I try to impart it to anyone else? Knowledge is not intended to give me position or prestige or to elevate me above other people. It is a trust that I must steward. I will give an account of my stewardship of knowledge as much as any tangible assets God has given me for the benefit of other people. Jesus warned, “Watch out for phonies. You can recognise them by the way they exploit those who are defenseless against them.”