In the previous verses, Jesus had described the teachers of the law as wanting places of honor and loving to be recognized as important. Here he emphasizes that these "teachers" cheat widows and then act very pious by saying long prayers in public to cover up their thievery. Does this sound familiar? TV preachers who constantly make pleas for money, some of whom have been caught cheating those who have contributed to them, have given Christianity and Christian ministry a bad name. Jesus makes it clear that not only will such charlatans and cheats be held accountable, but they also will be punished more severely. Why? Isn't all sin the same in the sight of God? No! People in position of trust are held to higher standards. When they abuse the people of God for their own gain, they face additional wrath and judgement from God!