COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 134
“ Mark 12:38 And He said unto them in His doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.”
(Mark 12:38-40; Matt 23:1-7; Lk 20:45-47)
JESUS WARNS THE PEOPLE OF THE SCRIBES
INTRODUCTION
One of the marks of the good Shepherd is His care for the sheep, “the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand” (Psa 95:7). His care for them includes alerting them to dangers, particularly predators who have an innocent appearance, yet are as ravening wolves. Our text provides us with an excellent example of this care, and of the manner in which it was exercised. Jesus had a tender regard for sensitive souls who were under the bludgeon of the Law, and yet gravitated to him to hear His gracious words. He did not have such a regard for brash and dominating religious men who used the people of God has a means of gain, exploiting them with both their teaching their manners. He spoke boldly and openly about them, pointing out their inconsistencies and ignoble motives. This was done out of a deep concern for the people of God toward whom He was endeared. Some of the people Jesus particularly upbraided, and concerning whom He issued solemn warnings, included Pharisees (Matt 16:6; Lk 12:1; Luke 11:42-43), scribes (Lk 20:46; Matt 23:13-15), Sadducees (Matt 16:11; Matt 22:23-29), Lawyers (Lk 11:46,52; Lk 14:3-5), and Herod (Mk 8:15; Lk 13:31-32). In speaking of them He used terms like “serpents” and “vipers” (Matt 23:33), “hypocrites” (Matt 23:13), “blind guides” (Matt 23:16), “fools and blind” (Matt 23:17) being “as graves” (Lk 11:44), and “fox” (Lk 13:32). He charged them with taking away the key of knowledge (Lk 11:52), shutting up the kingdom of God (Matt 23:13a), hindering people from entering the Kingdom (Matt 23:13b), and placing unnecessary burdens on the people (Lk 11:46). All of this is Shepherd-talk – words that flow from a profound love and care for the people of God as well as an absolute and perfect hatred for those who are hindrances and cause offenses to them. These men did not appear to be what they really were, and thus Jesus exposed them, lest people be further deluded by them. This is an aspect of shepherding that is scarcely known in our time.
HE SAID TO THEM IN HIS DOCTRINE
“ Mark 12:38a And He said unto them in His doctrine . . .” Other versions read, “He said to them in His teaching,” NKJV “in His teaching He was saying,” NASB and “As He taught.” NIV
I must keep before you that Jesus is moving closer and closer to the time when He will lay down His life as a ransom for all. Yet, as He approaches that awful hour, He is in the Temple, teaching extensively, and opening the truth before the people. In this text, He will even warn his listeners, particularly His disciples, about wolves in sheep’s clothing – religious pretenders and charlatans who are driven by pride and the lust for attention. Yet, this is no way detracts Him from His mission – which means there is a connection between these words and the salvation of God. That is why they in no way turn Him away from the work He has been sent to do (John 10:17-18).
Briefly summarized, this means that anything and everything that tends to obscure the salvation of God, or cause people to be dull concerning the Kingdom of God, is, for that very reason, wrong, sinful, and to be avoided. No person can put themselves at variance with God and the fulfillment of His purpose, and remain in good standing with Him – religious or not.
HE SAID TO THEM. Remember, this is an inspired record, written as holy men were moved along by the Spirit of God. Therefore, the attention is drawn to what Jesus said – to His teaching, or doctrine. The longer I live, and the more I am exposed to the religious trends of the day, the more I am astounded at how very little the people are exposed to what Jesus said and taught. There are some circles who actually draw more attention to what Moses and Solomon said than to what Jesus and those He sent have said. Jesus said of His own words, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Again He said, “the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works” (John 14:10). He said, “My words shall not pass away” (Matt 24:35). He said He would be ashamed of those who were ashamed of His words (Mk 8:38). He said those who did not receive His words would be judged by them “in the last day” (John 12:48). He also said that if a man loved Him, he would keep His words, affirming that His Father would love such a person, and that He and the Father would make their abode with him (John 14:23). A perpetual ignorance of what Jesus said can in no way be justified. It is wrong!
This was a public teaching of Jesus. Matthew says of this occasion, “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to His disciples” (Matt 23:1). Luke provides a more specific description: “Then in the audience of all the people He said unto His disciples” (Luke 20:45). Here we behold another aspect of true teaching. While the words are spoken to all of the people, they are specifically directed to the disciples – those who are following Jesus. Aside from the private meeting of Nicodemus with Jesus, He did not meet with the religious leaders of the day. His disciples came to Him “privately,” but such a privilege was not vouchsafed to the religious elite (Matt 24:3; Mk 9:28; Mk 13:3). There were also numerous times when Jesus withdrew from the multitudes with His disciples (Mk 6:32; Lk 9:10), and spoke to them specifically and privately (Lk 10:23).
You will search in vain for an example of Jesus speaking to the multitudes without His disciples being present. If the occasion of Nicodemus is cited, it must be remembered that he himself was also a disciple, even speaking up for Jesus while among the Pharisees, to whom he belonged (John 7:50-53). All of this confirms that the primary concern of Jesus was for those who followed Him. He never left them to declare the truth to others. When He moved about through the various cities and villages, it was with His disciples (Matt 9:35). That is one of the primary reasons He chose the apostles – “that they should be with Him” (Mk 3:14). In view of this, the widespread neglect of the children of God is a most serious offense.
IN HIS DOCTRINE. Christ’s “doctrine” is what He taught. Viewed from the standpoint of its focus, He preached “the Kingdom of God” (Lk 4:13). That is, everything He taught revolved around what God was doing. Concerning the content of His message, He “preached the word” (Mk 2:2), and “the people pressed upon Him to hear the Word of God” (Lk 4:44). In this we see how Jesus opened up what God had said – what He had prophesied, revealed, and promised. The Scriptures themselves were a prominent part of what He had to say (Matt 21:42; Lk 4:21; 24:27; John 5:39; 7:38; 10:35; 13:18).
The text refers to “His doctrine.” Early in His ministry, Jesus clarified the meaning of this. “My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me” (John 7:16). Therefore, those who refuse to hear Jesus have, in fact, refused to hear God. Those who hear Him have heard what God Himself has to say. Therefore Jesus said, “He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me” (John 12:44). The gravity of a body of people who are fundamentally ignorant of the doctrine of Christ cannot be overstated. If His words are spirit and life, then it is not possible to be saved while remaining in ignorance of them. Even a cursory consideration of this circumstance will cause great alarm to grip the heart.
BEWARE OF THE SCRIBES!
“ 38b . . . Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts.”
Remember – this is something Jesus said in His doctrine. This is included in what he taught, and His doctrine was not His, but the Father’s who had sent Him. That means that this is something the Father wanted known – something that was to be said. It also means that this had to do with the Kingdom of God, which is what Jesus preached. Theese things are related to “spirit” and “life,” which appropriately described what Jesus said (John 6:63). They must not be viewed as negative words. Rather, they are truthful words that correctly describe the situation.
BEWARE! The word “Beware!” is like the blast of the trumpet of a watchman that is on the wall. It is an alert to danger in which the people are made aware of peril and jeopardy. It also confirms that the subject under consideration is not apparent, and therefore requires a call to alertness and perception.
The word “beware” means, “to see, discern, perceive, and know.” THAYER It carries the ideas of knowing, understanding, considering, weighing, and contemplating. “Beware” is a kind of contraction of the two words become aware. It involves alertness and taking notice of something. It is looking at something and seeing it for what it is. This is not a word promoting fear, but one that encourages discernment and understanding. There are matters with which we are confronted that, because of the jeopardy that attends them, are to be comprehended. A religion that does not promote spiritual understanding and discernment is dangerous beyond all comprehension. It is a tool in the hands of the devil, and will lead a person into the broad road that leads to destruction. If this was not the case, there would be no need for this admonition, and therefore Jesus would not have said it.
OF THE SCRIBES. Originally, “scribes” were writers in general, and copyists of the Law in particular. Notable scribes of Old Covenant times include Seraiah (2 Sam 8:17), Sheva (2 Sam 20:25), Elihoreph and Ahiah (1 Khgs 4:3), Shebna (2 Kgs 18:37), Nethaneel 1 Chron 24:6), David’s uncle Jonathan (1 Chron 27:32), Zadok (Neh 13:13), Elishama (Jer 36:12), Baruch (Jer 36:26), and Ezra (Ezra 7:6).
Eventually, the scribes “rose to the rank of a learned profession – becoming the doctors of the Law and interpreters of the Scriptures.” McCLINTOK Ezra was the ideal scribe who is depicted as one who “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” When Artaxerxes sent a letter to Ezra he addressed him as “a scribe of the law of the God of heaven” (Ezra 7:10,12).
By the time of Jesus, they had carved out a significant position for themselves, and had shaped the concepts and religious life of the people. The teaching of Jesus was therefore compared with the teaching of the scribes, and found to be vastly superior to it (Matt 7:29). It was the scribes who taught the people that Elijah must “first come” (Matt 17:10). Jesus acknowledged their grasp of the text of Scripture, declaring that they sat in “Moses’ seat” (Matt 23:2). These were prominent opponents of Jesus, and were key figures in the plotting of His death. They have a parallel in the preachers and teachers of our day who have also shaped the thinking of the people with their doctrines, determining the thrust of contemporary religion.
THEIR TRAITS. Here is the Savior’s assessment of this group of elite religious men.
“Long Clothing” – Other versions read “long robes,” NKJV and “long flowing robes.” NIV This was so unlike the high priests and priests who wore special clothing before the Lord, but took that clothing off when they left the tabernacle (Lev 6:11; 16:23). In other words, the scribes were more conscious of men than of God, and attired themselves to be seen of them. Matthew reads, “But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments” (Matt 23:5).
“Love salutations in the marketplaces” – Other versions read, “to be greeted with respect n the marketplaces.” NRSV They loved human recognition, and thought little of Divine acceptance and approval. The praise of men was their quest, and not the praise of God. Matthew says they loved “greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi” (Matt 23:7). Men today may prefer “reverend,” or “bishop,” or some other distinctive title.
“Love chief seats in the synagogues” – Other versions read, “the best seats,” NKJV and “most important seats.” NIV Prominence among the people was their quest – to be seen as preeminent in the religious community. The prominence of Jesus was established by what He said and did. These men gained prominence by where they were seated.
“Love uppermost rooms at feasts” – Other versions read, “best places,” NKJV “places of honor at banquets.” NIV Outside of the Temple and the synagogues, these men continued to seek prominence among men. They wanted to be noticed and honored – not for what they said, but according to appearance. All of these were worldly manners, not godly ones.
CONDUCT LEADING TO GREATER DAMNATION
“ 40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.”
DEVOUR WIDOWS HOUSES. Other versions read, “take away the property of widows,” BBE “rob widows by taking their houses,” GWN “shamelessly cheat widows.” NLT These men were like the false prophets Isaiah described as “greedy dogs which can never have enough” (Isa 56:11). Again, God spoke through Isaiah of evil religious leaders who appointed unrighteous decrees, and “take away the right from the poor of My people, that the widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless” (Isa 10:2). Jeremiah also spoke of those who oppressed “the widow,” exploiting them for personal gain(Jer 7:6). Ezekiel also spoke out against those who “vexed” the “widow” (Ezek 22:7). They were like the evil men of whom Micah spake, who coveted the fields of others and “take them by violence,” as well as the houses of others (Micah 2:2). Micah speaks of this kind of exploitation in language that jars the soul, thereby confirming the wickedness of such practices. “Who also eat the flesh of My people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron” (Micah 3:3).
Although these scribes were expert in the Law, their conduct toward widows violated that very Law. “Ye shall not afflict any widow” (Ex 22:22). Should men choose to ignore this warning, here is what God says He will do: “If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless” (Exodus 22:23-24). The Lord is said to execute judgment for the widow (Deut 10:18). In the harvesting of grain, olives, and grapes, a remnant of the fruit was to be left behind for the widows (Deut 24:19-21). One of the curses pronounced from Mount Ebal was against any person who perverted the judgment of widows (Deut 27:19). In spite of these clear warnings, the scribes exploited widows, taking their resources from them, and plundering their goods – no doubt in the name of the Lord.
These practices continue today, both on an institutional and personal basis. The resources of widows are often the targets of financial campaigns. Their estates and savings accounts are frequently considered to be institutional resources.
No person who seeks to take advantage of the finances or property of widows will escape the judgement of God. They have committed an offence that betrays their miserable spirit. Should a person be foolish enough to make it difficult for a widow, or to add to her concerns, or to multiply her sorrows, or make life more burdensome to them, God will deal with them, and it will not be in mercy. Had this not been the case, Jesus would not have drawn attention to this despicable trait of the scribes.
FOR PRETENSE MAKE LONG PRAYERS. Other versions read, “for appearance’s sake,” NASB The Amplified Bible associates it with the plundering of the widows goods: “Who devour widows’ houses and to cover it up make long prayers.” Luke reads, “and for a show make long prayers” (Lk 20:47). In this case, either they made long prayers for the widows in order to obtain their resources, or they made long prayers of feigned thanksgiving for them when they had gained their goods.
We would say that they took the resources of widows in the name of religion, presenting the work of God as sorely in need of their resources, and probably pronouncing a special blessing upon them after they had deceived them into giving.
Of course, religious begging is still very much in vogue, and characterizes a considerable percentage of all Christian activity. Purported media ministries have become better known for what they receive than what they give. They have built financial empires of great opulence as a result of cunning religious marketing and exploitation. Jesus did not overlook such practices, and neither should we. We now have religious exploitation in the church, education, entertainment, music, literature, motivation, organization, and fund raising. This has now become a major branch of the Christian community. No wonder spiritual Babylon is said to traffic in such a vast array of merchandise (Rev 18:12-13).
GREATER DAMNATION. How does Jesus view such exploitation? He leaves no doubt about the matter. Such people will receive “greater damnation” Other versions read “greater condemnation,” NKJV “will be punished most severely,” NIV and “will receive the heavier sentence of condemnation.” AMPLIFIED There will, then, be degrees of punishment that are appropriate to the sins committed. That is why the day of judgment will be “more tolerable” for some sinners than for others (Lk 10:12). A more severe sentence will fall upon such abusive souls – who have used their religion for personal gain, and through it have exploited the people. They have built empires that have nothing to do with eternity, and have built them upon goods extorted from those upon whom God commanded them to have compassion. It is no wonder the Lord Jesus said to beware of such people! Mark them and avoid them!