Mark 12:38-44

Jesus’ Criticism of Certain Rabbis and The Contrast Made By Him of A Widow’s Generosity (12:38-44).

Having been challenged by the different leading parties in Judaism, and having given them a final weighing up, Jesus now feels a responsibility to warn the people against the Scribes, whose influence over the people was so great. The ideas here are expanded on in Matthew 23:0. Mark’s rendering gives us very much a summary. There is a threefold contrast in what follows. Firstly, the Rabbis are described as those who devour widows’ houses, that is, as those who persuade them to give them gifts far beyond their means. They are depicted as greedy to receive such gifts. Secondly in what follows the widow is described as giving all that she had to God. Her unacclaimed generosity is seen as in strong contrast with the greed of the Scribes. Thirdly the disciples are meanwhile seen as admiring the Temple, and its adornments when they should have been admiring the widow’s two mites. Only Jesus sees through to what is essential.

Analysis.

· And in His teaching He said, “Beware of the Scribes” (Mark 12:38 a).

· “Who desire to walk in long robes” (Mark 12:38 b).

· “And to be saluted in the marketplaces” (Mark 12:38 c).

· “And the chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts” (Mark 12:39).

· “They who devour widow’s houses” (Mark 12:40 a).

· “And for a pretence make long prayers” (Mark 12:40 b).

· “These will receive greater condemnation” (Mark 12:40).

Note how in ‘a’ they are to beware of the Scribes, because is the parallel they deserve condemnation. In ‘b’ they desire to walk in long robes to be seen of men, and in the parallel they pray extended prayers for a similar reason. In ‘c’ they like being saluted in places of business and activity and the places where people go, and in the parallel demonstrate their own unseemly ‘business’ activity by taking undue advantage of helpless women in the places where they live, while centrally in ‘d’ they love to be honoured in their religious activities.

There is an interesting contrast here between the requirement made to the Scribe earlier to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength, in every aspect of life, and the picture of these men who love themselves with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, in every aspect of life.