Matthew 23:1-12 Woes to Scribes and Pharisees

Here is an accusation I definitely don't want to hear for as long as I live: that I preach, but do not practice. Ouch! But this is not the only accusation Jesus has lined up for the Scribes and Pharisees. There is more. They were accused of burdening people with nuances of the Law that they themselves did not observe. Legalism is the spirit that takes God's Law and converts it into a bunch of do's and don'ts that people can't keep. Am I placing burdens on people I am not willing to carry?

Here is another one. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. Phylacteries were small leather boxes containing Hebrew texts on vellum (a parchment made from animal skin) worn by Jewish men, either on the left arm or on the forehead, during morning prayer as a reminder to keep the Law. It seems they loved to make them big enough for others to notice. They made them a display of their piety. The fringes were tassels on the edge of men's clothing to remind them to obey the Law. It seems they loved to make them long for people to take notice.

If they went to a party, they loved the place of honor. At the synagogue they expected the best seats. In the marketplace, they expected everyone to greet them and call them by title. Jesus prohibits the use of titles like rabbi, father, and instructor among the disciples as a means to gain recognition and authority over each other pumping their selfish pride. There is nothing wrong with the proper use of titles. Titles describe one's job responsibilities and position within an organization. The misuse of titles to feed one's ego and pride is wrong.

It is easy to fall prey to these traps: to preach and not practice; to become legalistic in the practice of my faith; to burden people beyond God's Word; to seek public recognition; to seek places of honor; to expect people to respect me and call me by my title. I must walk humbly the ministry path lest I fall into one of these pits.

Lord, test my heart and mind. Purify my thoughts and desires. Don't abandon me to my sinful nature. Rescue me from my selfish pride. May I walk in humility before you and others.