BEWARE OF DR. DOUBT!

Mark 12:38-40

³⁸ In the context of his teaching, he said, “Be cautious of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be saluted in the marketplaces, ³⁹ and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! ⁴⁰ They eat widows’ houses greedily and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will be condemned more than the others.”

proceed with caution

The scribes were thought to be a class above the normal people because of their biblical and theological expertise. Jesus was certainly not teaching against knowledge of the Bible and commitment to it. He was warning his followers not to assume that someone with a theology degree has a true faith in God. But he said more than that. He told us to be cautious. We are encouraged the study theology but not to idolize theologians. A person can be an expert in the Bible without truly following Jesus, and those must be avoided.

LORD, give us the insight to listen to those with a high degree of authenticity and faith in you.