Mark 12:38

Arabic Bible (GNA) Good News Arabic - 1993 (الترجمة العربية المشتركة)

وقالَ لهُم في تَعليمِهِ: «إيّاكُم ومُعَلّمي الشّريعةِ، يُحِبّونَ المَشيَ بالثّيابِ الطَويلةِ والتّحيّاتِ في السّاحاتِ

What Does This Mean?

Jesus warns his followers to beware of the scribes who love to show off by wearing long robes and seeking attention in public places. He is emphasizing that true spiritual leadership should not focus on outward appearances or popularity.

Explained for Children

Imagine a teacher at school who always wants everyone to notice them with fancy clothes and likes it when other kids say, 'Hey teacher!' just for show. Jesus tells us to be careful of people like this because being good isn't about looking cool or getting attention.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Gospel of Mark, written around AD 65-70 by an anonymous author. It was aimed at a mixed Jewish and Gentile audience in Rome, providing historical context on scribes who were religious leaders known for their elaborate attire and desire for public recognition.

Living It Out Today

In modern life, this verse reminds us to be wary of individuals who prioritize status symbols or seek constant praise rather than genuine humility. For instance, a celebrity might focus more on likes and followers than using their platform for positive change.

Topics

• hypocrisy
• leadership
• humility
• public recognition
• spiritual guidance
• religious practices

Related Verses

• Luke 20:46
• Matthew 23:5-7
• 1 Peter 5:3
• James 1:9-10
• John 12:43

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus warn against the scribes?

Jesus warned against the scribes because they were using their religious status to seek personal gain and public recognition, rather than focusing on genuine service and humility.

How can we avoid being like the scribes mentioned in this verse?

To avoid being like the scribes, one should focus on true service and humility, avoiding the pursuit of status symbols or constant public praise.

What does it mean to 'love salutations' as mentioned in Mark 12:38?

Loving salutations means enjoying being praised or acknowledged publicly for one's position, which Jesus saw as a sign of vanity and hypocrisy among the scribes.

Are there any positive examples of scribes in the Bible?

While many scribes were criticized by Jesus, some like Nicodemus (John 3) and Paul (Acts 26:14), who was a Pharisee trained as a scribe, are presented positively for their dedication to truth.