Mark 12:38–40 (ESV)
Beware of the Scribes
38 And
in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who
devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
Jesus warns against using self-serving religion
to elevate ourselves above others. Clergy especially need to listen to Jesus at this point. Jesus shows all religious leaders and scholars the model for their leadership: humility, service, and sacrifice, for His sacrifice has atoned for us all.
I pray: Lord, grant us humble hearts and willing spirits to fulfill our callings faithfully. Amen.[1]