“As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Mark 12.38-40
Jesus was popular with many people, but not everyone loved him. One reason his critics failed to admire him is because he spoke the truth. He made no bones about how he felt about them and the religious “show” they put on.
In this passage, he is teaching in the Temple and calls out the teachers of the law to their faces. Jesus says, “Watch out for the teachers of the law… they like to walk around in flowing robes. And be greeted with respect in the marketplaces.” In addition, “they like to have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.” Then it gets personal…. “they devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers.” Finally he adds, “these men will be punished most severely.” No wonder they wanted to kill Jesus!
It is good and right not to gossip or talk about people or spread rumors. But Jesus is truth-telling and he’s saying it to their faces. Jesus was without sin but still spoke the truth. (How can you sin if you speak the truth?) I’m not suggesting we all go around saying these kinds of things about our leaders, religious or political, but some people are called to do this very thing. Some are called to call out others for the injustice, ungodliness, and unrighteousness of their words and deeds. However, when you do so, prepare for retribution — look what they did to Jesus!
Everything we do must be couched in love. And yet, there is an aspect of “tough love” that allows us to speak truth while loving people as God loved them. It is often tricky to walk this line of correction and not condemnation. Of rebuke and not retribution.
“O Lord God, thank you for loving your people. Help us to live according to your ways in holiness and righteousness. Help us to walk humbly and not with egos flying around! Come now, Holy Spirit, anoint us with your power. Forgive us for our waywardness and draw us back to you. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen