Luke 20:45-47--Beware of the Scribes

Luke 20:45-47
English Standard Version
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Beware of the Scribes
45 And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

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Jesus is not out to make friends with the rich and famous, the politically connected, or the religious establishment.  The scribes fit into all those categories, yet they lacked the one think that would impress Jesus--repentance evidenced by obedience.  They were hypocrites acting pious and holy, but they were worse (Jesus said they would receive greater condemnation) than the so-called "sinners" that they condemned Jesus for hanging out with.

Those responsible to teach the Law to others did not live the Law out in their own lives for people, but instead they made rules for others that they never followed themselves.  Jesus tells His disciples and everyone else in the crowd to watch out for them.  Let's just say that at this point the scribes would want Jesus dead too if they were not already onboard with the place hatched by the Pharisees.