12:38b-40
The teachers of the Law walked around in flowing robes, receiving greetings in the market-places. It was the custom that inferiors should greet their superiors. The teachers of the Law had a high opinion of themselves, and liked to milk their supposed status. They took the best seats in the synagogues and at banquets. One might say that many bishops today like to wear fancy garments.
In the Old Testament there are many commands to look after the poor, orphans and widows, and we are told that God has a special concern for widows. Instead of following these commands, the teachers of the Law “devoured” widow’s houses. Even using “legal” means to take their property. They also made lengthy prayers, boasting of how clever they were. Jesus assures the people that “these men will be punished most severely”. There are always individuals or groups of people who seem to get away with things, but no one can escape the judgement of God.
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