The Deepening Divide

Scripture – Luke 20:41-47: 41Then Jesus said to them, “How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David? 42David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 43until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ 44David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” 45While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46“Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”

Reflection: What a scene! All the people are listening as Jesus tells His disciples to beware of the teachers of the law. These were influential Jewish leaders, and Jesus points out very clearly the hypocrisy of their actions.

These are people who like to look good in public. They enjoy drawing attention to their importance. They make long prayers just to show off their piety. Yet “they devour widows’ houses.” What an interesting phrase. In Jesus’ day widows were usually left with nothing after their husbands died. If she had no children, she had no one to take care of her and provide for her. The Jewish leaders could (and apparently sometimes did) take all the husband’s assets, including the house.

Jesus was certainly deepening the divide between Him and the Jewish leadership. Such pointed words brought Him even closer to the cross.

The lesson for me here has to do with humility. I’ll remember everything I have and am comes by the grace of God. I live and serve not because of anything I’ve done, but only because of what He’s done.