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Writings of David Chadwell Matthew 23:1-12, Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His
disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the
chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do
according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. They tie up
heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling
to move them with so much as a finger. But they do all their deeds to be noticed
by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their
garments. They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the
synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called
Rabbi by men. But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are
all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father,
He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is,
Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself
shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.
On occasions Jesus condemned the motives and desires of the most prestigious in
Israel’s religious ranks. Jesus’ statements concerning these religiously
prestigious persons was so unthinkable that his closest disciples were astounded
[see Matthew 15:12].
Matthew 23:12 is among Jesus’ most critical statement of these people known as
the Pharisees. Please note three things. (1) When they read scripture [sat on
Moses’ seat], they should be heeded. They shared God’s instructions, not theirs.
(2) Yet, they had no concern for people. They were judges of others’ weaknesses
or failures. They were unconcerned about encouraging or helping. They enjoyed
making loads heavy, not assisting in carrying loads. (3) They loved occupying
positions of prestige. They were certain of their significance! They loved
others confirming their significance.
Jesus’ directive is chilling! When they speak from scripture, listen. However,
do not act like they act. God’s key to spiritual greatness is found in humility,
not in prestige.
It is easy to criticize the Pharisees. It is equally easy to repeat their
mistakes. God was humble enough to care about us while we were yet sinners
(Romans 5:8). God was compassionate enough to send His son to us to direct us to
Him (the way, the truth, the life—John 14:6, 7). God was [is] forgiving enough
to cleanse us even when He knows we will fail again (1 John 1:5-10). None of us
stand approved before God because we are so good, but because we are sanctified
and justified in Jesus.
It is quite humbling to realize this: what God through Jesus Christ does for me
each day He does for every other man and woman in Christ each day. No Christian
is given the prerogative of judging those in Christ. Every Christian has the
privilege of encouraging those in Christ. May the Lord say of each of us,
“Follow his/her example.” Never let Him say of us, “Do not behave like he/she
behaves.”
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Writings of David Chadwell