This Sundayഈ ഞായറാഴ്ച

Group · 3 Sundays

The scribes

ശാസ്ത്രിമാർ

In the readings on 3 Sundays so far.

Russian icon of the boy Jesus seated among the teachers in the Temple, 1497
Christ among the Teachers, Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery iconostasis, 1497

At a glance

In Malayalam
ശാസ്ത്രിമാർ
In the readings
3 Sundays, 21 February 2027 to 17 October 2027
Gospel passages
Mark 2:1–12 · Mark 3:20–30 · Matthew 23:1–12

Name meanings and role notes are drafted with each edition and waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Who the scribes were

Trained experts in the Law of Moses who copied, taught and interpreted the Scriptures. In the Gospels they often question Jesus, though one was told he was not far from the Kingdom of God.

  1. Ezra is called “a skilled scribe in the law of Moses.”

    ScriptureEzra 7:6

  2. People are amazed that Jesus teaches with authority, not as the scribes.

    ScriptureMark 1:22

  3. Some scribes think it blasphemy when Jesus forgives the paralysed man’s sins.

    ScriptureMark 2:6–7

  4. Scribes from Jerusalem say he casts out demons by Beelzebul.

    ScriptureMark 3:22

  5. A scribe asks which commandment is first; Jesus says, “You are not far from God’s Kingdom.”

    ScriptureMark 12:28–34

  6. Jesus warns against scribes who like long robes and long prayers but devour widows’ houses.

    ScriptureMark 12:38–40

  7. With the chief priests and elders they hand Jesus over to Pilate.

    ScriptureMark 15:1

  8. “Every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven” brings out treasures new and old.

    ScriptureMatthew 13:52

Read it in the Bible

  • Mark 12:28–34 Not far from the Kingdom
  • Mark 12:38–40 Beware of the scribes

Sources: The Holy Bible (World English Bible).

Drafted from the Bible and Church tradition. Each line says where it comes from; anything marked Tradition or History is not in Scripture itself. Waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Sundays with The scribes

  1. Fifth Sunday after Holy Cross

    Gospel: Matthew 23:1–12

    As one of “The scribes and Pharisees”: Teachers of the law with real authority, criticised for not living it.

    In the story

  2. Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

    Gospel: Mark 3:20–30

    As one of “The scribes from Jerusalem”: Teachers of the law sent to investigate him.

    In the story

  3. Palsy Sunday

    Gospel: Mark 2:1–12

    Experts in the law who question Jesus silently.

    In the story

Also in these readings

About the icon

Christ among the Teachers, Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery iconostasis. 1497. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Everyone in the readings