The Test

A teacher might well know, beforehand, whether a student will pass or fail a test. The signs are always there. The teacher will know the character of each student and will be aware of their habits and patterns. It was not idle chin-stroking when Jesus said that a tree is known by its fruit. What we do or say the most, that is what we are all about.

In this examination, we turn our eye toward Mark 12:38-40. It is here that Jesus explains the standard by which we may put the spirit of a person to the test. To those around him at the time, Jesus exposed the scribes, but this handy trick works as well with any man behind any pulpit, or any man on any soapbox.

He said, “Beware of the scribes.” He told them to take a good long look, to be aware. Let us take that long look and be aware, not only of who scribes are but also of what they do. For those in Jesus day, the definition of a scribe was 'an ancient Jewish record-keeper or, later, a professional theologian and jurist.' Got that off the internet. So, discounting the record keepers with no authority, what we are looking at is the professional – not only the title, not only the tier within society but the mindset and attitude.

I believe it was the attitude, the pride concurrent with that mindset, that Jesus warned of. We are aware that all words and actions must, necessarily, stem from that root, just as the fruit of a tree has its origin in its own root. Just as a salesman's every word may be seen to stem from his drive toward, desire for and anticipation of the dollar, so too, the veneer of the scribe is stripped away by the list that Jesus attributes to them.

He said this of them: “which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: which devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers.”

If they 'love' to be seen in their office garb and 'love' public acknowledgments, then they may be seen in their labors toward such. They may be seen actually trying to accomplish these ends. They will make their long-winded prayers quite public. They do these things to maintain their station and advantage in society. The coffers must remain filled, even if the widow is turned out for the expected tithes.

Seems pretty damning. Is it any wonder they sought his life? And, we may learn from this list; we may make our own lists. This test is equally applicable to modern day preachers and politicians. I have made my lists, and I must say that the preachers and politicians look almost identical. You've got your love for public accolades and some seriously attention-grabbing expensive suits. The neckties are gaudy, the wristwatches are flashy, and the Florsheim shoes are shiny. The bellies are often large and the public message never fails to touch upon funding.

The apple never falls far from the tree and the bad apple always harbors a gnawing worm within. Jesus concluded about the scribes that they would receive, not the usual, average, or run-of-the-mill damnation, but “greater” damnation. Some will try and fall short while others will fail spectacularly. Be like the teacher who knows the student. Apply this simple test before the final exam. One might even be so daring as to apply the test to oneself.