MATTHEW 23
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being 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 call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. – Matthew 23:1-12
MATTHEW 23 THE HUMBLE WILL BE EXALTED
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
To seek adulation for oneself is the way the haughty lives for
Every effort they do is all about being lifted up
They act and do all kinds of deeds as a way to perform
Everything they do is grandiose so they can get attention
The humble on the other hand keeps silently what they do
They don’t want to be recognized for their good
They serve other people’s interests and know their importance
Because they humble themselves, God will exalt them also.
In this account, we see Jesus’ teaching on humility. It is interesting how he gave the Pharisees as an example of the opposite of a humble person. Jesus used the proud Pharisees as a lesson to watch out for. He didn’t want them to follow the way of the proud and hypocrites.
- They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders
- They do all their deeds to be seen by others
- They preach but do not practice what they preach
- They love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues
- They love being greeted in the marketplace and called Rabbi
How could we translate these haughty ways in our society now? How can you identify the haughty person? They like to parade their knowledge and be honored and respected for it. They make rules and expectations for others that are hard to follow and they are difficult and make others’ lives hard. They do not follow what they teach others. They are entitled and want the best of anything and everything. They love accolades and titles and positions to feel great, powerful and important. Sadly, this is the opposite of what Jesus sampled for us. God expects a servant’s heart from his people, not a boastful, proud one.
REFLECTION
- Share insights how God exalted the humble. You can share your own or examples in the
- bible.
