Verse 45
And in the hearing of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love salutations in the marketplaces and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts; who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation.
How trifling are the things men love. Honorable greetings in the markets of the world, seats at "the head table" at dinners, "the Amen Corner" in churches, medals, titles, a ribbon, a red hat, or a surplice. Looking across nineteen centuries, how insignificant do those special seats at the front of ancient synagogues appear! Yet it was for things like these that the priestly hierarchy of Israel bartered away their love for the Lord of Glory.
Nor were such embellishments of their vanity the only trouble with those leaders. With bold selfishness they "devoured widows' houses." Just how they did this is not known but there may be a glimpse of this in the parable of the unrighteous judge, who for private reasons heard a widow's plea; but left in the background is the impression that this instance of "justice" stood isolated in his conduct. Through their influence with such men, the Pharisees had many opportunities to pervert justice.
Long prayers ... Capping the picture of Israel's self-serving rulers is this detail of the "long prayer," uttered on street corners or other public stands, full of hypocritical piety, an affront to God and man alike.
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