Condemnation...
“Then He said to them in His teaching, ‘Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” [1]
“Beware” is a word used to evoke absolute attention. Watch out! Danger! Stop! Turn around! Don’t go this way! Imagine a poison label! The skull and crossbones image! God condemns their lifestyle... some explanations...
Long robes – enjoying leisure while others work
Love greetings in marketplace – center of attention
Seats of honor - perks of status and privilege
Devour widow’s houses – conning the poor out of money
Lengthy prayers – For people’s attention not God’s
The Apostle Paul also warned us of imposters...
“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” [2]
Deceivers end up being deceived. In fact, all the praise they receive on earth will turn into fiery condemnation when they stand before the God of Love.
Commendation...
“Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites (Jewish $2), which make a quadrans (Roman $2). So, He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” [2]
This widow was most concerned about one in her audience, namely God. In fact, the rich people in this scene might have looked down on her because she only gave $2. But Jesus, being the Son of God, knew that she put in everything she had. She could have kept $1 for herself and gave $1 to God, but no she wanted God to have it all. God was taking care of her. She knew she could not outgive God. She was a woman of faith. She was a woman of worship. Like the woman who put the expensive anointing oil on Jesus, she recognized the matchless worth of God. She lived to glorify God. Jesus commended her.
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