Scripture:
Matthew 23:1-12 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Religious Hypocrites Denounced
Matthew 23
1 Then (A) Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: (B) 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses. (C) [a] 3 Therefore do whatever they tell you and observe [it]. But don't do what they do, [b] because they don't practice what they teach. (D) 4 They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry [c] and put them on people's shoulders, but they themselves aren't willing to lift a finger [d] to move them. (E) 5 They do everything [e] to be observed by others: They enlarge their phylacteries (F) [f] and lengthen their tassels. (G) [g] 6 They love the place of honor at banquets, the front seats in the synagogues, (H) 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called ' Rabbi' by people.
8 "But as for you, do not be called 'Rabbi,' because you have one Teacher, [h] and you are all brothers. (I) 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is in heaven. (J) 10 And do not be called masters either, because you have one Master, [i] the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. (K) 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (L)
Footnotes:
Matthew 23:2 Perhaps a special chair for teaching in synagogues, or a metaphorical phrase for teaching with Moses' authority
Matthew 23:3 Lit do according to their works
Matthew 23:4 Other mss omit that are hard to carry
Matthew 23:4 Lit lift with their finger
Matthew 23:5 Lit do all their works
Matthew 23:5 Small leather boxes containing OT texts, worn by Jews on their arms and foreheads
Matthew 23:5 Other mss add on their robes
Matthew 23:8 Other mss add the Messiah
Matthew 23:10 Or Teacher
Cross references:
Matthew 23:1 : Mk 12:38-39; Lk 20:45-46;
Matthew 23:1 : Mt 10:42; 28:19; Lk 14:26; Jn 8:31; 13:35; 15:8; Ac 6:1;
Matthew 23:2 : Ezr 7:6;, 25; Neh 8:4;
Matthew 23:3 : Mt 5:20; 15:3-9; Rm 2:17-23;
Matthew 23:4 : Lk 11:46; Ac 15:10; Gl 6:13;
Matthew 23:5 : Ex 13:9; Dt 6:8; 11:18; Mt 6:1;, 5;, 16;
Matthew 23:5 : Mt 9:20; 14:36; Mk 6:56; Lk 8:44;
Matthew 23:6 : Lk 11:43; 14:7; 20:46;
Matthew 23:8 : Mk 9:5; 10:51; Jn 1:38;, 49; 11:8; Jms 3:1;
Matthew 23:9 : Mal 1:6; Mt 6:9; 7:11;
Matthew 23:11 : Mt 20:26-27; Mk 9:35; 3Jn 9;
Matthew 23:12 : Pr 29:23; Ezk 21:26; Lk 14:11; 18:14; Jms 4:6;, 10; 1Pt 5:5-6;
Reflection:
Does your practice match your talk? Jesus chides the scribes and Pharisees for their showy practices. In a way they wanted to be good models of observant Jews. See how well we observe all the ritual rules and regulations of our religion! In their misguided zeal for religion they sought respect and honor for themselves rather than for God and for his word. They made the practice of their faith a burden rather than a joy for the people they were supposed to serve. Respect for God and his ways inclines us to Godly humility and simplicity of heart. The word disciple means one who listens in order to learn. Jesus shows us the way to the Father -- the way of peace, joy, righteousness, holiness, and true happiness. He showed us the way by lowering himself as a servant for our sake. He humbled himself, even to death on a cross, that we might be raised up and exalted at the Father's right hand in heaven (Phil. 2:1-11). What is true Christ-like humility? Humility is true self-knowledge -- regarding oneself as God see each of us. The humble do not trust in themselves, but trust in God and in the power of his love and saving grace. True humility is a servant-like quality which enables one to place his or her life at the service of God and others. Do you know the joy of Christ-like humility and simplicity of heart?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, teach me your way of servanthood and humility that I may walk in love as you have loved. Fill me with the joy of servanthood that I may inspire others to walk in your way of happiness and holiness.
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