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1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. ~ Matthew 23:1-12
Today, we transition into Matthew 23. In this, His final message to the multitudes, the Lord Jesus unleashed His fiercest warnings regarding the religious leaders of Israel. He was hardest on them because they distorted the image of the God of the Bible. The problem with religion is it is purely external. In order for the religious to live out their religion, they have to accentuate the externals, including endless rituals, rules, and regulations. Of course, these rituals, rules and regulations many think are a means to earn the favor of God. But, we all know, we can't earn God's favor. Religion is not the answer because it is man reaching to God. The problem with that is we can't reach far enough to merit God's favor.
In v.1-2 of today's passage we read, "1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.'"
Religious folks do not have a light problem, they have a sight problem. They fail to see that faith in the God of the Bible is a heart thing. Without the involvement of our hearts in a personal relationship with God, we are not known by Him. Religion that places the emphasis on the fallen human measuring up is blinding. Religious folks remain blinded by their sin as they resist the grace of God. This is what makes them think they can measure up to God's standard. They have a very low view of God. Of course, this is exactly why the Lord Jesus came to this earth in the first place, to lay down His life for us. The scribes and the Pharisees defined themselves as the separated ones. Since they saw themselves as such, they were self-righteous, proud, and they abused people for personal gain.
In v.3-4 of today's passage we read, "3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."
The scribes and the Pharisees taught strictly the Law of Moses to the people but they themselves were not perfect in obeying God. Although the religious leaders believed they were doing enough of the right things to make them right with God, their hearts were far from Him. All of their symbolic rituals did not address their real issue which was the sinful condition of their hearts. They missed the ultimate goal of the Law of Moses which is to reveal to us our utter sinfulness and helplessness and also to point us to the grace of God through our Savior. As a result, the religious leaders of Israel were not concerned about the wickedness of their own hearts. Since they themselves did not interact with God from the heart, these religious leaders lacked a heart for the people. This is why they laid heavy religious loads on the people.
In v.5-7 of today's passage we read, "5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'"
Religious people are driven by their performance. They follow their rules and rituals in order to be praised by others. The Lord Jesus understood their rules and rituals inside and out. He knew that the Pharisees were more interested in the money, prestige and power than owning up to their inability to measure up to the truth. This made them hypocrites who robbed the average folks of their money. Like all of us, the Pharisees didn't love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. The difference between them and the true believer is that the true believer is honest about his inability to love perfectly. When we come to the place that we love God from our hearts, we are positioned to love others as ourselves. The religious leaders of Israel were so preoccupied with being admired and revered, they missed the One whom they had studied all their lives when He came.
In v.8-10 of today's passage we read, "8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ."
The word "leadership" appears nowhere in the New Testament and the word "leader" is only found just under 10 times after Malachi. When the subject of power and leadership appear in the Bible the emphasis is on servanthood. This is why the Lord told His disciples not to be called "Rabbi" or "Teacher." Otherwise they would be following themselves. We do well to follow God as our leader because that which we follow is that which defines us most.
We are all servants, even those who are leaders. We come to know if we are acting as servants when someone treats us as such. As servants, we will always reflect our master. Before we came to know the heart of God for us we viewed servanthood as something that was required and forced. Once we entered into God's family, we began to see servanthood differently. The revelation of the heart of God to us is what drives us further into a heart that serves others.
In v.11-12 of today's passage we read, "11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Contrary to what most believe, greatness in the Kingdom of God is found through the embrace of servanthood. God equates leadership with serving others. Humility is essential at making one a servant and the best type of leaders are those who are servants. It is through the disposition of humility that a leader accesses from God real authority. To those who desire to be leaders, God says, "Push yourself down and I’ll lift you up." The secret is discovered in a quote found in the book entitled Radical Grace, written by Richard Rohr who wrote, "Humility and human come from the Latin word, humus which means dirt. A human being is someone taken out of the dirt. A humble person is one who recognizes that and even rejoices in it!"
