Polished People Without Surrendered Hearts | Mark 12:38-40

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Our text today is Mark 12:38-40:

And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” — Mark 12:38-40

Jesus has been teaching in the temple all day, and now he turns from answering questions to issuing a warning.

“Beware of the scribes.”

He calls them out on their own turf. And notice the exhortation. He does not say to “disagree with them” or “debate them.” He says "beware" as in, be on high alert.

Why? Because their spiritual influence looked holy on the outside. They wore the robes. Spoke the language. Took the places of honor. Prayed eloquent prayers. But it was all for show. Underneath the surface, Jesus exposes something far more dangerous: They devoured widows’ houses. They used their spiritual authority to manipulate, exploit, and take. Their power was not for people’s good, but for their own gain.

And Jesus doesn’t just call it out—he warns of a greater condemnation.

Spiritual leadership without spiritual integrity is deadly. And Jesus is clear. He’s not impressed with religious appearances. He sees the robes. The seats. The greetings. The prayers. But more importantly, he sees the motives.

Are you living for God’s approval or people’s applause?

This warning isn’t just for teachers and pastors, like myself, which is humbling to consider. It’s for anyone tempted to put on a spiritual performance. It’s for the man who prays in public but won’t lead at home. The woman who knows Scripture but won’t show grace. The leader who loves attention but won’t serve in obscurity. God is not looking for polished people. He’s looking for surrendered hearts. So beware of putting on a religious show. It may impress people, but it never fools God.

#BewareTheShow, #Mark12, #SpiritualIntegrity

ASK THIS:

1. Why does Jesus say “beware” instead of just “disagree”?
2. What does “devouring widows’ houses” tell you about the scribes?
3. Where are you tempted to perform spiritually?
4. How can you pursue deeper integrity in your walk with Christ?

DO THIS:

Ask someone who knows you well: “Do you ever see a gap between what I say spiritually and how I actually live?”

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, protect me from the temptation to perform spiritually. I don’t want appearance—I want authenticity. Shape my heart, not just my image. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Give Me Jesus”