Mark 12:35-40 | Philippians 3:3-9
After affirming the wisdom of one legal expert, Jesus digs back in on the inadequacy of the whole group. His particular point may not seem to carry much theological importance to us today. But it surely was heard loudly in the context of the temple.
Jesus shows concern for pompousness and preferential honor-seeking. He has no desire for high appearances that disfavor the underprivileged behind the scenes. This is certainly a word for today for leaders in the Church.
Mark 12:35-40
While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “Why do the legal experts say that the Christ is David’s son? David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said, The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right side until I turn your enemies into your footstool.’ David himself calls him ‘Lord,’ so how can he be David’s son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight.
As he was teaching, he said, “Watch out for the legal experts. They like to walk around in long robes. They want to be greeted with honor in the markets. They long for places of honor in the synagogues and at banquets. They are the ones who cheat widows out of their homes, and to show off they say long prayers. They will be judged most harshly.”
Philippians 3:3-9
We are the ones who serve by God’s Spirit and who boast in Christ Jesus. We don’t put our confidence in rituals performed on the body, though I have good reason to have this kind of confidence. If anyone else has reason to put their confidence in physical advantages, I have even more:
I was circumcised on the eighth day.
I am from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin.
I am a Hebrew of the Hebrews.
With respect to observing the Law, I’m a Pharisee.
With respect to devotion to the faith, I harassed the church.
With respect to righteousness under the Law, I’m blameless.
These things were my assets, but I wrote them off as a loss for the sake of Christ. But even beyond that, I consider everything a loss in comparison with the superior value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have lost everything for him, but what I lost I think of as sewer trash, so that I might gain Christ and be found in him.
Prayer
God,
If there are ways by which I seek honor exclusive to myself, show me. I don’t want to be haughty.
Honestly though Lord, I do need affirmation. And I’m glad you give it. So help me to hear the righteous affirmations of those who do it for the right reasons. Most of all, help me hear the words you gave to us through Christ: “This is my child in whom I am well-pleased.” In keeping me from self-conceit, do not let me move toward self-hate.
Deliver me from seeking human approval at the expense of others. Any time my stock rises, may it be for all people and particularly those who would otherwise not receive the same.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.