Knowing The Word in Luke 20:45-47

Beware of the Scribes

20:45 And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

Comments

The scribes were Pharisees, who were experts in the law. The people looked up to them as godly men who followed the commandments of God. Jesus, however, was not impressed by them and gave his disciples a stern warning. They walked around in long robes, a mark of distinction of gentlemen of leisure, not of godly humility. Even worse, apparently some scribes took advantage of impressionable and defenseless widows, encouraging them to make gifts to them beyond their means. Their longwinded prayers lacked depth and sincerity and were said to impress others. Of these men, Jesus warned of their coming condemnation. The disciples were to avoid imitating the scribes in any way.

Application

We often mistake appearances for godliness in the life of others. Jesus had as many hypocrites around him in his day as we do in ours. We should not lose hope because of people like this. We have Jesus. Hypocritical Christians are a reminder to us not to put our faith and hope in them but only in Jesus.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are my all in all today, tomorrow, and forever.