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Mark 12:38
ESV And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces
NIV 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,
NASB And in His teaching He was saying: 'Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like personal greetings in the marketplaces,
CSB He also said in his teaching, "Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who want greetings in the marketplaces,
NLT Jesus also taught: 'Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces.
KJV And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,

What does Mark 12:38 mean?

Jesus has commended a scribe of the Pharisees for his understanding that loving God and others is more important than following the regimented Mosaic law. He even says the scribe is close to finding the kingdom of God (Mark 12:28–34). Shortly after, Jesus uses Scripture and logic to prove that although the Messiah is the Son of David, His authority to rule comes directly from God (Mark 12:35–37). Now Jesus goes on the attack, so to speak.

Where Mark merely mentions "greetings," Matthew explains that the scribes like to be called "rabbi" (Matthew 23:7). Jesus says that to seek out the title of rabbi, father, or instructor is dangerous. Such positions invite a great deal of God's scrutiny (James 3:1) and seeking this approval and attention shows the opposite of the servant-heart Jesus calls His followers to have (Mark 9:33–37; 10:35–45).

The scribes are very knowledgeable, but their vanity and pride of their expertise in the Law leads them to miss the truth about the Messiah. Even the way they dress is meant to attract the adoration of the people. Unlike the utilitarian robes most wear, religious leaders prefer white linen with over-sized fringes or tassels. The tassels are a God-ordained reminder of the Mosaic Law (Numbers 15:38), but the excessive length is for show (Matthew 23:5). Jesus has no more respect for long tassels than He does for large offerings (Mark 12:41–44).

Mark highlights only a handful of offenses the Pharisees commit, but Matthew lists more. They claim to have the way to heaven, but can only lead others to hell (Matthew 23:13–15). They value what people do and give more than the God they serve and give to (Matthew 23:16–22). Despite the earlier scribe's insistence that love is greater than the Law, the scribes live as if the ceremony of the Law is greater than justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23–24). While they insist they would have accepted the words of the Old Testament prophets, Jesus prophesies that they will persecute and even kill the prophets that are to come (Matthew 23:29–36).
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