Jesus Accuses Some Leaders^(A)

⁴⁵ While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his ·followers [disciples], ⁴⁶ “Beware of the ·teachers of the law [scribes]. They like to walk around wearing ·fancy clothes [or flowing robes], and they love for people to greet them with respect in the marketplaces. They love to have the most important seats in the synagogues [11:43] and [the place of highest honor] at ·feasts [banquets]. ⁴⁷ But they ·cheat widows and steal their houses [^Ldevour widows’ homes] and ·then try to make themselves look good by saying [^Lwith false motives pray] long prayers. They will receive a greater ·punishment [condemnation].”