Matthew 23: Warnings and Woes (1)

Pray Psalm 56.10-13.
In God (I will praise His word),
In the LORD (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God;
I will render praises to You,
For You have delivered my soul from death.
Have You not kept my feet from falling,
That I may walk before God
In the light of the living?

Sing Psalm 56.10-13
(Morecambe: Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart)
I will not fear what foes might do to me.
I give You thanks, my vows will I renew.
You have redeemed me, set my spirit free,
and ever in Your light I’ll walk with You.

Read and meditate on Matthew 23.1-12.

Prepare.
1. What did Jesus say about the scribes and Pharisees?

2. Who is the greatest among the followers of Christ?

Meditate.
The religious leaders had tried to embarrass and silence Jesus, even though the masses welcomed Him as the Son of David and Bringer of salvation. They thought they were great and could easily rid themselves of Jesus. Now Jesus, speaking “to the multitudes”, puts the religious leaders in their place.

The scribes and Pharisees were hypocrites and blind guides. They had the authority of those charged with teaching and interpreting the Law of God (“Moses’ seat”, v. 2), but they used their position of authority abusively. They taught rigid strictures, but lived loose lives. They required of others things they weren’t even willing to do themselves (v. 4). To the extent that they actually taught the Law of Moses, they were to be heard and obeyed (v. 3). But their example was not one the people should follow (vv. 3, 4). They used their position as religious leaders to make names for themselves, that others might esteem and defer to them (vv. 5-7).

Jesus reset the focus for the multitudes: True religion is about God the Father and Jesus Christ, the true Teacher of Israel (vv. 8, 9). Only Jesus can teach the Word of God truly; and only God the Father can make us His adopted sons and daughters (Jn. 1.12). Religious leaders who seek to use God for their own advantage are to be deplored.

And Jesus is winding up to do just that.

What should we do then? Serve one another in love, Jesus said (vv. 11, 12). Humble yourself; look for opportunities to serve; and give yourself to others for their edification. This is the way to greatness in the Kingdom of heaven and God. Others may not recognize that greatness, but God your Father and Jesus your Teacher will. And in the end, that’s really all that matters.

Reflect.
1. Jesus honored “Moses’ seat”. What does this teach us about the Law of God?

2. Why did He denounce the religious leaders? How can we know when we’re trying to use God rather than serve Him?

3. What does it mean to say that “One is your Teacher, the Christ”? How should this guide our reading and study of Scripture?

Whoever ministers with the divine word does not put himself forward to be called “teacher,” for he knows that when he performs well it is Christ who is within him. He should only call himself “servant” according to the command of Christ, saying, “Whoever is greater among you, let him be the servant of all.” Origen (185-254), Commentary on Matthew 12

Use me as Your servant today, Lord. Give me boldness to stand for Your truth as I…

Pray Psalm 56.1-9.
Let the boldness of Jesus be with you today as you seek opportunities to stand for His truth and proclaim His love.

Sing Psalm 56.1-9.
Psalm 56.1-9 (Morecambe: Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart)
Savior, be gracious, gracious unto me!
Weary, I seek the shelter of Your wings.
Till trouble passes, till my sighings flee,
I seek the Lord Who for me does all things.

When I’m afraid I’ll put my trust in You,
You, Lord, Whose everlasting Word I praise;
I will not fear what foes to me might do,
but will in faith to You my crying raise.

Wickedly how my foes distort my words;
constant attacks and snares await my way.
Pour out Your wrath, consume them, mighty Lord!
Bring evil to its end, O Lord, I pray!

Lord, see my wand’rings, see my anxious tears!
Help me to trust and praise Your holy Word.
Gladly I know that when I call You hear;
I will not fear but trust in You, O Lord.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).