“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments. And love the uppermost rooms at feasts in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi” (Matthew 23:1-7).
When Christians want to cite an example of hypocrisy, they often start with today’s verses. The scribes and the Pharisees were supposed to be the religious leaders of their day. The Pharisees made sure people knew exactly who they were. They were boastful and arrogant, filled with selfish pride. They were pretty wrapped up in themselves. The packaging was found on their special garments and the boxes of Scripture verses worn predominately on their foreheads and arms. It was obvious they did all they did, in the name of the Lord, “to be seen of men.” I would think it a mockery to call any of them “Rabbi.” God was not pleased with the actions of the Pharisees. In various portions of Scripture, Christ pronounced several woes and judgments upon them.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Remember these verses, along with those you read today. They may help when you feel pride creeping into your life and you begin imitating the Pharisees.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that workers in Bible distribution ministries such as the Gideons, Bible League, Bible Foundation, Bibles Unbound and many others, would find open doors for both giving and communicating God’s Word.
