Jesus took on the religious establishment in the shadow of the temple. His message was appropriate then and relevant in 2024.
Jesus made three observations about the attitudes and actions of the religious crowd. As we read his words, let’s consider how they apply to us.
(1) Talk without Proper Action
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’s seat;
“Therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it, but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach” (Matthew 23.1-3).
As someone who has preached thousands of sermons and taught a similar number of lessons, I know that it is much easier to preach and teach than it is to live out the message we’ve been given.
The familiar saying at Maywood Baptist Church is appropriate to this situation: “Don’t talk about it; be about it.”
(2) Heavy Burdens but Give No Help
“They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others, but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them” (Matthew 23.4).
This passage has resonated with me for many years. I am determined that if I teach something people should do, I need to give them the ability to do it.
Better yet, Jesus gives us this awesome invitation.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11.28-30).
As we live in a relationship with Jesus, he will teach us and guide us. This is the light yoke that will give us rest, as opposed to the heavy burdens of the religious authorities.
(3) Playing for the Crowd’s Approval
“They do all their deeds to be seen by others, for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long.
“They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have people call them rabbi” (Matthew 23.5-7).
Praise, recognition, and approval are deeply desired by most of humanity. The religious world is no different.
Jesus identifies three honorific titles that should be avoided.
“But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters.
“And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in heaven.
“Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah” (Matthew 23.8-10).
As we read Matthew, we discover that only Jesus’ opponents called him “rabbi.” Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father,” which should give us pause in calling someone other than our parent by that name.
We are brothers and sisters because we are members of God’s family through his grace.
The Greatest Among You
On more than one occasion, Jesus talked about servant leadership.
“The greatest among you will be your servant.
“All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23.11-12).
A servant gives up what is naturally theirs for the benefit of the other. We serve God by submitting the direction of our lives to Him.
We serve other people by providing loving service led by the Holy Spirit.
The famous prayer leader, David Bryant, says givers become the receivers.
When we give in service to God and to other people, it may seem like a sacrifice, but ultimately it allows us to be recipients of God’s grace.
We receive the character of our Lord and the joy of being part of God’s plans and purposes.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
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