Jesus Takes The Offensive

Mark 12:38–40 NIV

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, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

Do you think this passage continues on from where we left off? (Jesus in the temple engaging with the religious leaders and the crowd?)

How do you feel the situation has changed?

Does anything strike you about Jesus in this passage?

If you were actually there, how do you think you’d feel?

Not sure what it means to 'devour widow's houses.' - Perhaps charging some sort of payment - you have to give this money no matter what. It is the law. And then Jesus calls them out for praying empty prayers that are just for show. (Ouch. I do this = not to showoff, but I do pray route or empty prayers. Please forgive me Jesus. Help me to teach my kids how to pray by example.)

Again - what strikes me the most here is how boldly Jesus steps into the conversation - turning the focus off of himself and now firmly onto the accusers. You're trying to trap me. You're trying to discredit me. But look at yourselves.

You've tried to make me look like a fool. You've tried to trap me, but look how much of problem you are in with your pratices that destroy and hurt people. Look at how much you want people to look at you... but what about what God sees when he looks at you?

I wonder who Jesus is talking to here - is he just going after the accusers, or is he teaching his disciples - look at these folks guys - never do what they do. Watch your motives. Maybe both?