Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

Today as I went online to check my email I was greeted by photos of televangelists who are being investigated for taking advantage of their tax-exempt status that churches and para-church ministries hold. It is not my intent to judge their actions because I have no knowledge of their ministries finances nor their spending habits. However, in light of our passage today I find it quite amazing that anyone who even claims to be a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is charged with excess and extravagant living.

"Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. The devour widow's houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." Mark 12:38-40

Jesus was speaking not only to the disciples but also to the crowd that had gathered around to hear him speak. Jesus was saying to us all that our value system should be different from the worlds, especially those who lead the people of God. Life in the Kingdom of God is not about appearance, performance and status. Wearing the latest trends in clothing does not make one a person of character. Having the highest GPA or winning an award at work does not mean one has high ethical standards. Belonging to the country club or driving an expensive car does not mean that one is a valuable member of their community.

Jesus states over and over again that his values are different from the worlds and so ours should be. The standard is even higher for those of us who are vocational ministers. In fact, as I read this passage, it makes me a bit nervous. Jesus is reminding me that I need to be on guard against the "ministerial profession" and all of its trappings.

Jesus tells us there are six attitudes and actions that we should flee from when engaged in any kind of ministry.

Pride: Jesus said that the scribes liked to walk around in flowing robes in public places. Notice, Jesus is not against wearing ministerial robes while conducting services, but he is against wearing them to be noticed in public. I well remember preaching in Latvia in a Lutheran Cathedral. They would not let me preach unless I wore a robe and I did not have one. The minister there was gracious enough to let me use one of his and I was able to share a message with them. To be honest I kind of liked the robe because I could wear comfortable clothes underneath it.
Public Recognition: Jesus said they loved to be greeted in the market place with more than a casual greeting of friendliness. They wanted to be greeted by respectful names or titles such as “rabbi” or other formal titles.

Honoring Self: Jesus said that the last would be first and the first would be last. Here the scribes wanted the best seats or those seats that faced the congregation. I have said so often that putting a person on a platform with lights, sound and a microphone can do funny things to their personality. When I first got into ministry churches often had chairs for the ministerial staff that would face the congregation. They were seats of honor and probably not the best example of humility. For years the Catholics would not allow their priests to face the congregation during Mass as a sign of humility.

Preferential Treatment: I have never liked sitting at head tables at banquets and yet there are some who thrive on it. Jesus accused them of wanting the best seats even when they were a guest at someone else’s party. It was all about recognition for them.

Manipulating Greed: Jesus exposes their manipulation of widows for the sake of their own greed and love of money. If one follows the office of priest and pastor through the Bible they will see that the “love of money” is strictly prohibited. In most countries of the world, pastors are on the low side of the economic scale. I don’t think we can say that about pastors in America.

Hypocrisy: Jesus tell us that they like to pray long prayers in public, causing people to think that they are men of great spiritual qualities. Yet after reading the previous five indictments we would expect them to go into their closets and repent. Even today there are those who put on their "God voice" when they get into the pulpit because they want to impress others. Jesus in only impressed when he sees the sincerity of heart.

Now we know that not all scribes were evil, just as not all pastors or priests are evil. There are however enough wolves in sheep's clothing that we should be on guard. There are the lovers of money, the predators, the pedophiles and wicked souls that masquerade as ministers. If you find one in your church I would encourage you to prosecute to the full extent of the law, which unfortunately is not always done. I know of ex-ministers that molested children that are on the streets today and they should be in prison. Be on guard or on the lookout for frauds Jesus tells us. We should also be on watch regarding our own souls.

Jesus warns us against "sinful cravings to be somebody, that is to be prominent, to be honored above everybody else." (Hendriksen) He condemns using religion, especially his name, for personal gain. The result will be "severe punishment." I do not know how it will end up for those being investigated by our government, but if they are guilty of the sins of the scribes, the government is not who they should be most concerned about.

This week as we look at ministry opportunities, let us examine our heats to see if we are living a lie, or being sincere.

Blessings to you,

Dan

Copyright 2007 Eternity Minded Ministries - All rights reserved
www.eternityminded.org