Mark 12:38-44 (NRSV)
Read Mark 12:38-44 on biblegateway.com
Verse 38As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, Verse 39and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! Verse 40They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
Verse 41He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. Verse 42A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Verse 43Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. Verse 44For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."
Devotion
Beware! Beware of the scribes! Not because they're scary or violent. But beware, and be cautious not to put them on too high a pedestal. Be cautious, that you not try to imitate them as a means of living rightly. Sure, they may walk around like they have it all together, like they are very prestigious, like everyone should respect them, but at what cost? At the cost of those the Lord has deemed the most vulnerable.
What Jesus is saying here is that fame for fame's sake is not a good enough goal, if along the way you are not caring for the widow and the orphan. Ask yourself, "Who do I look up to, and why?" Is it because of what they've done? Is it because of what they've said? Now consider what it took for them to get to where they are. Are they still honorable?
Prayer
Holy One, open our eyes so we might see clearly what is false righteousness and what is your truth. Guide us toward role models whose paths are paved in service toward you and your kingdom. Keep us mindful of who we're called to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.