Religious Self-importance

Religious Self-importance
Words of Faith 3-6-24
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2024
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Mark 12
[38] As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted 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. Such men will be punished most severely."

Jesus had a problem with people who put on religious self-importance and made a show of their religion. In the time of Jesus, some Jewish teachers wore a special identifying garb, a long, white linen robe similar to those of priests and temple officials. Teachers were generally greeted with titles of honor in the marketplaces, which were full of people. Religious teachers had many opportunities to receive such recognition.
Teachers in synagogues could take a seat in full view of most of the rest of the assembly, like ministers in many churches today. At banquets, those seated nearest the host were in positions of honor. Ancient literature is full of complaints from those snubbed by being given socially inferior seats.
History teaches us that human sin often enters into religion in the form of pride as leaders dress in religious plumage and set places, seats, and titles of honor for themselves. The truth is that the most significant vulnerability for spiritual leaders and teachers is that people will pay them the respect that is due to the Lord. A leader who is not humble before the Lord, who draws attention to themselves, is not leading according to the example or the teaching of Jesus.
People worldwide mark the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in various ways. Trumpets play, flowers adorn, and choirs will sing. What might Jesus say? He may warn us again to be careful of religious plumage with no genuine faith. Beware of religious shows made on one day of the year yet have no power or substance on other days. Beware religion that honors men while paying lip service to the Son of Man. Beware of religion is more interested in money than in souls. Beware the lengthy prayers that can pour like honey from the mouths of the hard-hearted and unrepentant. Beware.

Lord, I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:10‑-11). In Jesus' name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2024
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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