After having had debates with a number of different
scribes, Jesus reproaches the scribes in general. He is not condemning all of the scribes, but
he is pointing out certain characteristics of scribes that are not acting in
accordance with the law of God they claim to study and obey. Jesus is teaching all the crowds while in the
temple, and he is warning them away from certain teachers. He mentions five actions of teachers that
should be avoided: those who wear long robes, those who seek after flattering
statements in public places, those who seek the honorable seats in public
places, those who take widows’ houses from the widows, and those who speak out
long prayers to impress others.
The main characteristic Jesus is condemning is that of seeking out honor from other people. In his other teaching, Jesus says that one who seeks the honor of men will not gain the honor of God (Matthew 6:1-4; Luke 6:22-23, 26). In this passage, Jesus says that such men will gain the “greater condemnation”—or the condemnation on judgement day. Jesus had already mentioned that leaders following him would need to seek humility, not great positions or honor. One of the characteristics, however, is different from the others, which is “devouring widows’ houses.” In this case, Jesus is stating that some scribes are stealing houses from widows. Jesus already described some who did this by having the money set aside for one’s parents when they are old to be set aside for “God’s purposes” (Mark 7:10-13). In the next section, Jesus points out another way in which widows are impoverished.
I have spoken to a number of different pastors, and their motivations vary tremendously. What surprises me, however, is the percentage of pastors who are in it for the money. That doesn't mean they think to get rich (although a few do), but they see church leadership as a profession which has a decent salary and some good benefits which they can raise their family with. It's a position of respect, and people listen to one's wisdom.
While I do not deny any pastor the opportunity to obtain a decent wage, if that is what church leadership means to a pastor, I would recommend that they leave. Being a pastor is a gift, and a calling, and it is just as much a call to poverty and hatred as it is a good salary and respect. Being a pastor is about sacrificing oneself for others, it is about surrendering oneself, it is about giving to the needy with whatever you have.
I had a pastor call me, asking if I knew about any housing opportunities for his friend, who was a vet and was about to be homeless. I chatted with him about some possibilities, but no real ideas came up, so we hung up. I prayed for his friend and then a realization hit me, so I called the pastor back. "You know, as I was praying for your friend, I realized that the organization that should help your friend is you. I would look and see if you had a spare room or some way to help him out yourself." He gave me a cursory reply and that was all.
Church leadership is about humility and sacrifice. If we aren't ready to do that, we should find another job.
The main characteristic Jesus is condemning is that of seeking out honor from other people. In his other teaching, Jesus says that one who seeks the honor of men will not gain the honor of God (Matthew 6:1-4; Luke 6:22-23, 26). In this passage, Jesus says that such men will gain the “greater condemnation”—or the condemnation on judgement day. Jesus had already mentioned that leaders following him would need to seek humility, not great positions or honor. One of the characteristics, however, is different from the others, which is “devouring widows’ houses.” In this case, Jesus is stating that some scribes are stealing houses from widows. Jesus already described some who did this by having the money set aside for one’s parents when they are old to be set aside for “God’s purposes” (Mark 7:10-13). In the next section, Jesus points out another way in which widows are impoverished.
While I do not deny any pastor the opportunity to obtain a decent wage, if that is what church leadership means to a pastor, I would recommend that they leave. Being a pastor is a gift, and a calling, and it is just as much a call to poverty and hatred as it is a good salary and respect. Being a pastor is about sacrificing oneself for others, it is about surrendering oneself, it is about giving to the needy with whatever you have.
I had a pastor call me, asking if I knew about any housing opportunities for his friend, who was a vet and was about to be homeless. I chatted with him about some possibilities, but no real ideas came up, so we hung up. I prayed for his friend and then a realization hit me, so I called the pastor back. "You know, as I was praying for your friend, I realized that the organization that should help your friend is you. I would look and see if you had a spare room or some way to help him out yourself." He gave me a cursory reply and that was all.
Church leadership is about humility and sacrifice. If we aren't ready to do that, we should find another job.
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