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 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
Mark 12:38-40 NIV
Trembling and Awe. More like trembling with anger at how awful people can be. When I read this verse, the imagery is not lost on me. Jesus describes people who claim to know the Bible (the law) and therefore the will of God. They walk around (strut) and act the part of a “good” follower of God. They are admired and yet they have a dark side. They prey on the weak and vulnerable and wax eloquent their petitions to God. It is clear that Jesus does not take kindly to this type of behavior.
We would, however, be remiss if we think this type of behavior just exists in biblical times by people we can identify as “Pharisees.” If only it were that simple. Today, the “teachers of the law” come in various shapes and sizes. They can be, and sometimes even are, Seventh-day Adventist.
I have grown up watching church people model this verse and I am sure you have too. They say “Happy Sabbath” to your face and gossip behind your back. They say such lengthy prayers with words that you need a dictionary to understand but can’t carry on a conversation with the newcomer in the back pew. Oh, I am far too accustomed to this behavior. My dad was a pastor.
One pivotal moment in my life that comes to mind reading this verse was when a church my dad had pastored at for over 18 years decided they were done with us and secretly worked to kick us out. I remember going home to join my family in attending the farewell Sabbath. My eyes were open and I saw who some of the members truly were. Those who were on the board walked around exclaiming how sad it was that we were leaving, acting as if it were our choice.
To have the head elder pray about how “God was leading the church… God’s will was taking place… the pastor would be missed… and of course how sad he was.” To feeling uneasy about any member of my family being by themselves that Sabbath. My sister excused herself to use the restroom and shortly after, I followed to meet her in the foyer so she wouldn’t be alone. I’m glad I did because in the foyer I encountered two greeters gossiping about how mean and unapproachable my sister was. That was until they saw me glaring at them and they went silent until we left.
I experienced it again in my own ministry journey when I first led as a youth leader at a church. After being there for almost a year, the pastor told me to attend a board meeting to defend the youth program, and I found myself amongst the wolves. “Why should we have a youth program? They don’t bring in any offering.” “We know the youth won’t stay, but they will come back to the church when they have families of their own.” “Why did you redesign the youth room? You needed to ask the head elder for permission regardless of time and materials donated.” I sat there under attack for the full hour. At the end, one elder looked at me and said, “Why should we even take you seriously. You haven’t transferred your membership to this church yet.”
I looked him straight in the eyes and said, “I believe one’s membership should be where they feel the most at home, and after this meeting, I made the right decision at keeping my membership at La Sierra University Church.”
You see, power does funny things to people. Some, like the Pharisees, feel the need to create palaces of power within the church. But in the end, it is just their narcissistic tendencies masquerading as religiosity.
We too have to be careful. I believe we are all called to be teachers. But what lesson will we teach? Are we teaching a lesson of love or of law? Are we teaching a lesson of acceptance or one of belittlement. Are we teaching what makes us feel better or what God calls us to teach?
Chris Kaatz enjoys building a life and an amazing future with his wife Megan. He currently works as the Men’s Dean at Sierra Towers at La Sierra University.