Beware of the Scribes
Luke 20:46
"Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;"
When you have been around Christianity as long as I have, you begin to understand the frustration Christ must have had with the scribes and Pharisees. The scribes were people who copied documents, especially the Scriptures, so that people had something to read. Because there were no printing presses in these days, the scribes were very important to society. In the verse above, Jesus warned the people to be cautious of the scribes. His caution was because their actions were something that should not be copied. Let me show you what was so dangerous about the attitude of these scribes.
First, they loved to be known for their education. The wearing of "long robes" was something that educated people would do so they could be recognized. These scribes thought their education made them better than others. We must be careful that we don't let education cause us to look down on others. Truthfully, there are many educated idiots in our day. Just because someone has education does not make them smarter than others. I would rather have someone working with me who has common sense over someone who has education and no common sense. I'm not against education at all, but education never makes anyone better than someone else.
Second, the scribes loved to be recognized by famous people. The "greetings in the markets" was merely being recognized by influential people. This made the scribes feel that they were more important than others. Christian, you need to be careful about striving to be recognized by the influential. It is better to know God than it is to know someone famous. Stop trying to be recognized by an influential person and strive to be recognized by God.
Third, the scribes loved position. The "highest seats in the synagogues" were simply holding a position in the council of the synagogue. It would be like holding a seat on the city council or some board of the church. There is nothing wrong with having a position, but you should not strive to obtain it. You should simply strive to do your job. When you do what you are supposed to do, then you will find that position will naturally come. Don't do things so you can acquire position, and don't fight others to get it. Simply, be the type of person who works hard at doing what you are supposed to do.
Fourth, the scribes classed people. What I mean by this is they would have an "in" crowd, and then there was everyone else. Let me make this clear, in God's eyes there is no "in" crowd, there are only people. If you start to think that there are classes of people in Christianity then you will be guilty of thinking you are better, or not as good as, others depending on how you are classified. Jesus warns us not to be guilty of classifying people.
Fifth, the scribes ran over anyone just to get what they wanted. Christian, be careful about hurting others so you can get position or title. Don't make people your stepping stones; rather, make your life about helping people and you will be surprised how they will push you up.
Finally, the scribes lived their life as a show. What they were in public was not what they were in private. Be careful about living two lives. Always strive to be the same in private and in public. If you live a double life, you will hurt those closest to you, and most of all, you will hurt yourself.
When Jesus said, "Beware of the scribes,..." He was warning us not to act like them. Be sure that your life does not resemble the attributes of the scribes. If you will simply live your life to please God, then these things that the scribes strove for will only be a tool to better help people if God gives them to you.