About those scribes

Luke 6:7

'And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day, that
they might find an accusation against him.'

MATTHEW 12:1-14; MARK 2:23-3:6; LUKE 6:1-11

The scribes were copyists of the Holy Scriptures. They preserved in written form the oral law, and
faithfully handed down the Hebrew Scriptures. In New Testament times, they were students,
interpreters, and teachers of the Old Testament. Their functions regarding the law were to teach it,
develop it, and use it in any connection with the Sanhedrin and various local courts. They were
ambitious for honor, which they demanded, especially from their pupils, as well as from the general
public. This homage was readily granted them (Mt. 23:5-11).

Ezra was a scribe during the Babylonian captivity of the Jews, and he was a very godly man. The
office of a scribe was a worthy one, but the scribes of Jesus' day were often rebuked by Him for
having gone beyond the job of copying out the scriptures. They had a large volume of interpretations
that they had added to the scriptures based on traditions, and had thus made 'the word of God of
none effect' (Mk. 7:13). The scribes became an independent company of interpreters of the law and
leaders of the people. Even they, themselves, sought to evade certain of their own precepts (Mt.
23:2-4). They clashed with Christ for He taught with authority and condemned the external
formalism that they fostered (Mt. 7:28-29). They persecuted Peter and John (Acts 4:3-7) and had a
part in Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 6:12). However, although the majority opposed Christ, some did
believe (Mt. 21:15).

Later on, we'll read how Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the scribes by dealing with issues of the
heart. They appeared to be holy outwardly, but their hearts were far from God. It is important for us
to keep our hearts tender and receptive to His Word, and give ourselves to Him in worship. Think
about the good things he has done for you today and be thankful.