38 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, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Mark 12:38-40

Jesus’ warning against the teachers of the law was strong. He didn’t mince words. He didn’t coddle them even though many were probably in the crowds listening to Him and seething at His remarks.

“Pfft! This uneducated carpenter from Nazareth. What does He know about the Law and the Prophets?”

Well, turns out He knows quite a bit for He wrote the Book. His accusations centered around their lack of mercy and arrogance.

Of course we have such people today that lead throngs of people down a ruinous path. They rake in millions but pay their workers a pittance. They use smooth talk on television to convince widows and followers to send in thousands of dollars annually. Then they squander the money on their own pleasures. Their preach a Gospel Lite by preaching love and acceptance to attract more followers who will eventually give more money. You won’t hear repent, hell, or eternal damnation come from their lips. They tickle people’s ears. They have a well-oiled machine of an organization to process all the money they take in.

As Jesus said, “these men [and women] will be punished most severely.”