Pride Goes Before Destruction
Proverbs 16:18; Mark 12:35-13:2
With these verses, Mark ends the section about the temple that began at Mark 11:15, with Jesus driving out the money-changers. Jesus’ action in the temple 11:15-18 is an acted “parable;” it is a demonstration that the temple and nation have come under God’s judgment.
Today’s Scripture answers question asked of Jesus in Mark:11:28—by what authority did he act in driving out the money-changers?
David himself said in the Holy Spirit. ‘The Lord [God] said to my Lord [the Messiah], “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies beneath your feet.’” David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; and so, in what sense is He his son?” Mark 12:36-37
Jesus quotes Psalm 110, in claiming he is the Messiah; as the Messiah [Lord], God has given him authority over the temple. He is able to pronounce judgment on the temple and on those who oversee it. [“At God’s right hand” symbolizes he has been given that authority to render judgment on God’s behalf.]
Jesus goes on to warn about the foolish pride of the scribes, who are a trained class of writers and legal experts. The Bible condemns pride throughout its pages. Pride likes appearances for appearance’s sake! Pride overlooks the golden rule and lives by the rule of gold. This pride is what is called arrogance.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. Proverbs 16:18
The scribes took poor widow’s homes to get more for themselves [perhaps widows were unable to pay for legal documents scribes prepared]; while giving long prayers to impress others. These scribes were much like today’s wealthy TV preachers who are still able to persuade poor widows to contribute more to them.
It is generally thought Jesus praises the widow who puts all she has into the temple treasury; but I take a different view point! I believe Jesus is expressing deep sadness for a society where the wealthy give so little out of their abundance; whilea poor woman gives all she has, yet no one steps forward to offer her help!
Jesus knew pride was about to destroy his people; the pride which takes delight in false gods. Pride delights in the god of war [military solutions to conflict]; in the god of wealth [conspicuous consumption of world’s resources]; and in the god of pleasure [if it’s feels good, it’s OK]!
Jesus knew those with the greatest most destructive pride were men known as Zealots; they believed they could defeat Rome in a military conflict and that God was on their side. Their arrogant pride led them to war with mighty Roman armies; and as Jesus predicted, to total destruction of the temple and Jewish nation!
And as He was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great building? Not one stone shall be left upon another which will not be torn down” Mark 13:1-2
Pride loves the greatest, the best, biggest, most wonderful; most lavish, most expensive, the most beautiful, the most perfect figure; the biggest bomb or missile, biggest nuclear button. Pride can have a way of ignoring morality or decency or even the rule of law.
But for most of us, here is where pride really gets in our way: Pride just keeps us from admitting the hurts, hang-ups and habits that bring us down. Pride keeps us from sharing our burdens with others; and pride keeps us from putting Jesus first in our lives.
Human pride looks to the greatest, the biggest and best; but Jesus cares for all; even the least, the last and the lost. It is Jesus who loves us more than we love ourselves. It is Jesus who will remain with us when all the gods of this world fail us. Pride goes before destruction; but the way of Jesus is the way of healthier relationships and a clear conscience! He is the way, the truth and life! Jesus cares! Let him care for you!