And in His teaching He was saying: “Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like personal greetings in the marketplaces, and seats of honor in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive all the more condemnation.”
We use phrases like, “things are not always as they seem” or “there is more than meets the eye” to say there is more to life, or a situation, than we can see. Even though we see this truth in many ways, we still struggle to believe it. Appearances are often deceiving and can lead us down the wrong path. These scribes had the status, respect, and wealth that many long for but, ultimately, it was empty.
God sees past the exterior and through to our hearts. He sees the way we try to impress people or make a name for ourselves. Jesus’s warning is also a reminder for us to look at our hearts and see what is there. We may have the appearance of a perfect life and still miss the point of walking with Him. We can be a reputable and still hold cruelty and injustice in our hearts. God is ready to heal what is broken and redeem us when we come to Him. This reminds us of our need for God’s Word daily. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” May we open ourselves up to God, showing Him what we want to hide from everyone else. Let Him expose your sin, hurt, and hopes to redeem them back to Him.
- What are the worries, sins, hopes, and hurts in your heart right now? How can you submit these to God?
- What are some ways we try to cover up our sin like the scribes?
- Pray and confess to God the ways you have tried to hide from Him and others.
