Sermon 148

📖 Sermon 148 – Warning Against the Scribes

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 20:45–47

Introduction

In the hearing of all the people, Jesus gives a solemn warning about the religious leaders of His day. They appeared holy, yet their hearts were far from God. This passage exposes the danger of outward religion without inner grace.

I. The Outward Piety of the Scribes

A. “They desire to walk in long robes”
Symbols of dignity and holiness — worn for display.

B. “They love greetings in the markets”
They craved honor from men, not the approval of God.

C. “And the highest seats in the synagogues”
Prestige was their aim, not humble service.

D. “And the chief rooms at feasts”
They sought social prominence and public applause.

II. The Hidden Corruption Beneath the Surface

A. “They devour widows’ houses”
Using religion as a cloak to exploit the vulnerable.

B. “For a show make long prayers”
Their prayers were performances, not communion with God.

C. Hypocrisy masked with piety
They looked righteous but were inwardly rotten.

III. The Judgment Christ Pronounces

A. “The same shall receive greater damnation”
Not all judgment is equal — those who misuse sacred things face a heavier sentence.

B. The seriousness of religious hypocrisy
It dishonors God and misleads the people.

C. God sees the heart
No outward show can hide true character from His eye.

Conclusion

Jesus calls us to a religion that is real, humble, sincere, and filled with love for God and neighbor. Let us shun the vanity of the scribes and walk in genuine holiness of heart, for God looks not on appearance but on the inward man.