Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers, These will receive greater condemnation. (Mark 12:38-40)
Within this text Jesus warns his disciples against a religious life full of pretense. Long robes, greetings and the best seats. Hypocrites use religion to enhance their own importance. While seeking for itself the best and mistreating others on the way, extraordinary long prayers are used to cover-up all these deeds. As Christians we are called to a life of humility and servant-hood. Real spiritual greatness is seen in people caring for others, to feed the lambs, the weak ones, so that they will grow strong.
