A Warning Against Hypocrisy - Matthew 23:1-12
A Warning Against Hypocrisy
23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.
8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Reflection: Jesus says the problem with the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law is not their content but their character. It is not that their words are wrong, but their actions aren't consistent with their words. In the classic saying, they do not practice what they preach. On top of this they load burdens on others but do nothing to equip them to do what they are supposed to do.
In contrast to this compare Jesus, who they also called rabbi, or teacher. Jesus not only taught about the kingdom coming but he demonstrated it by what he did. He told people to love their enemies, and on the cross proved it when he cried out, "Father forgive them for they know not what the do." Instead of tying heavy burdens on people's backs, he said come unto me all you whom are weary and burdened and I will give you rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. What Jesus called his disciples to do something, he equipped them with power on high at Pentecost to do it.
And Jesus did all this not seeking the applause of the crowd, but the approval of the Father. These are good warnings to anyone who leads others. Jesus was a servant leader, who showed that greatness comes by be willing to lay down one's life. Influence does not come from a title but someone who earns respect by example and humility. True leaders inspire others to follow them because they invest in their lives by sharing their very lives. They are the shepherd that is willing to lay down their lives for the sheep.
Jesus' warnings are good for us to remember. There is a little Pharisee in all of us. Hypocrisy can have a huge negative effect on the cause of the Gospel. As we assume any role of leadership we must remember our Master Teacher Jesus and continue to learn from him. Amen.
23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.
8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Reflection: Jesus says the problem with the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law is not their content but their character. It is not that their words are wrong, but their actions aren't consistent with their words. In the classic saying, they do not practice what they preach. On top of this they load burdens on others but do nothing to equip them to do what they are supposed to do.
In contrast to this compare Jesus, who they also called rabbi, or teacher. Jesus not only taught about the kingdom coming but he demonstrated it by what he did. He told people to love their enemies, and on the cross proved it when he cried out, "Father forgive them for they know not what the do." Instead of tying heavy burdens on people's backs, he said come unto me all you whom are weary and burdened and I will give you rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. What Jesus called his disciples to do something, he equipped them with power on high at Pentecost to do it.
And Jesus did all this not seeking the applause of the crowd, but the approval of the Father. These are good warnings to anyone who leads others. Jesus was a servant leader, who showed that greatness comes by be willing to lay down one's life. Influence does not come from a title but someone who earns respect by example and humility. True leaders inspire others to follow them because they invest in their lives by sharing their very lives. They are the shepherd that is willing to lay down their lives for the sheep.
Jesus' warnings are good for us to remember. There is a little Pharisee in all of us. Hypocrisy can have a huge negative effect on the cause of the Gospel. As we assume any role of leadership we must remember our Master Teacher Jesus and continue to learn from him. Amen.
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