Matthew 23:1-12 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 23:1-12 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 23Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, Verse 2"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; Verse 3therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. Verse 4They 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. Verse 5They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. Verse 6They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, Verse 7and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. Verse 8But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. Verse 9And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-the one in heaven. Verse 10Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. Verse 11The greatest among you will be your servant. Verse 12All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Devotion
As a child of the ’80s, I can’t read this passage and not think of the band The Fixx with their catchy chorus: “Why don’t they do what they say, say what they mean? One thing leads to another.”
Why indeed should it be so hard to do what we say, to avoid being hypocritical? Jesus takes issue here with the religious leaders of the day, but not for what they teach. Indeed, he encourages his followers to “do whatever they teach you and follow it.” Instead, the problem lies in the living. And Jesus wants it all. Our words are not enough. We are called to lives of humility, doing deeds for the sake of the doing, not so that others can see us and be impressed. Under the life-giving instruction of Jesus the Messiah, we can finally begin to live such lives for the good of those around us.
Prayer
Holy Lord, teach us so that we may fulfill your word in our thoughts and deeds for the sake of our neighbors. Amen.