Beware: January 16, 2013

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16, 2013

BEWARE

DEFINITION:

Be wary, cautious or vigilant.

SCRIPTURE:

"Beware of the scribes, who love to go around in long robes and love greetings in the marketplace." Mark 12:38

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

When we hear the word beware there is usually an association with something being dangerous. In our scripture for today, Jesus said to beware of the scribes. Our immediate reaction must be: why would these scribes be dangerous? 

Several times in the scriptures we read about times when Jesus and the scribes met. The scribes were experts in the Jewish laws and traditions of the temple. They rejected Jesus as the Messiah and were always looking for opportunities to trap Him with their questions. They were lawyers and knew well how to mislead and argue. Here in Mark chapter 12: 35 -44 after being questioned by the scribes, Jesus spoke a word of warning to the crowd.

Jesus saw right through the outer appearances of the scribes into their sinful hearts. Jesus was telling the people to be aware of the scribes because they were an evil influence and hypocrites who made a show of being very religious. They used their position to exploit the poor and take advantage of people. In reality, they had no love for God or for others. A long robe signified the wearer was a devout and noted scholar. The scribes dressed in their long robes and walked through the market place to gain recognition and esteem.

Jesus condemned the scribes for always sitting in the best seats in the Synagogue and high places of honor at the feasts just so they may be seen.  He was pointing out to the crowd that true religion in God's sight is to be humble and servants of their Lord.

Jesus went on to tell the crowd that the scribes also committed sin when they devoured widows' estates for their own personal gain and made a pretense of long prayers in order to impress the people and show their piety. His warning to the people was to beware of the scribes because of their impure motives. They were not what they appeared to be. Their condemnation was coming and they would be severely punished.

Jesus was giving us warning that we are not to glory in our titles or our success to bring honor to ourselves. We are not to show pride and a self-righteous attitude because we go to church. All of us who believe in Jesus are just sinners saved by grace. 

Jesus sat then in the Synagogue, near the treasury, and watched the people bring in their tithes and offerings. He saw the rich making a show of their wealth by giving large amounts and the widow putting in two small coins, giving her all. Jesus said that the widow’s was the greater gift because it was all she had. True religion is being faithful to God and giving Him our all.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

PRAYER:

Help me to beware of those people around me that are self-righteous and make a show of being religious but are not true followers of Jesus. May my family put Christ first in all that we do and may we serve You in a way that honors You. Keep us humble and willing to help those that are in need of a special touch from You.