Matthew 23:13-24 More Woes...

Hypocrite is a word used in Greek theater to refer to and actor and it received a negative meaning over time that conveys the sense of pretending, lying, and deceiving. Jesus accused the Scribes and Pharisees of being spiritual actors pretending to have piety while lying to and deceiving the people. Their hypocrisy did not allow them to enter the kingdom of God. Because of their position of authority as spiritual leaders before other people, their hypocrisy did not allow others to enter the kingdom of God either. Their efforts to make converts to Judaism (proselytes) resulted in children destined to hell.

When it comes to swearing and oaths, the Scribes and Pharisees had devised a list of objects by which an oath would be binding (i.e. gold of the temple, gift on the altar) and another that was not so binding (i.e. the temple, the altar) to give them a way out of their commitments. Jesus accuses them of being blind guides to the people splitting hairs over what is binding or not. Such lists are ridiculous and somewhere else he prohibits such oaths and teaches that their word should be binding enough.

On the issue of tithing, the Scribes and Pharisees had become so obsessed and compulsive about it that they tithed even their spices (mint, dill, and cumin). Tithing is the principle of giving one tenth of one's produce and earnings as worship to God and used for the sustenance of temple and priests. Unfortunately, they neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness which are more important matters of the Law. Justice is to do right to our neighbor, mercy is to have compassion for those in need, and faithfulness is to be loyal and steadfast to God.

Straining the gnat and swallowing a camel is an exaggeration that conveys how ridiculous their behavior really was. The gnat and the camel were unclean. The Pharisees would strain their wine to avoid swallowing the unclean insect. But Jesus tells them that their neglect of the Law is equivalent to swallowing a camel! Am I a hypocrite, blind guide who obsesses with details but neglects the heart of God's kingdom? Am I honest with God, people, myself? Am I a person of my word? Am I not only tithing, but practicing justice, mercy, and faithfulness?

Lord, examine my heart. See that it is faithful to you. Help me to be sincere and honest in my faith with you and others. May I be a person of my word. May I never neglect the weightier matters of the kingdom.

Matthew 7:1-6 Judging Others

"Don't judge!" is a favorite quote I use when I don't want people evaluating or scrutinizing my life or that of people close to me. It is usually accompanied by: "God is the only judge." But the statement is not a teaching against discerning what is right and wrong. If we were to withhold our judgment in this life, we would live in anarchy (this may appeal to some people). It is a strong prohibition against what I will call improper judgment. 

Judgment calls for self-examination. It is improper for me to see someone else's fault and not my own. Jesus calls it hypocritical. Also, judgment should move me to help others. It is improper to pronounce final judgment and condemnation (that is God's prerogative) on anyone. My motivation and goal in evaluating or scrutinizing should be to help.

Here is the deal! To be able to help, I have to make sure I am in a position to help. Jesus used an exaggeration to state his point: I can't remove a speck from someone else's eye if I have a log in mine. Imagine trying to remove an eyelash from a friend's eye while having sand in my own eyes - it is impossible! I wouldn't be able to see a thing! I need to have clean eyes to examine and help someone else.

Judgment, scrutiny with the intent to help, must also know its limits. It is improper to go after people who don't want to be helped. Jesus used two images to make this point: giving what is holy to dogs and throwing pearls to pigs. Dogs and pigs, in those days, were scavengers; they fed on refuse. It was a waste to throw valuable things at them. Getting a speck out of an eye requires focus and concentration of both parties. It is hard to do while one is kicking, screaming, and trying to get away. 

Lord, help me be a true brother in the kingdom. May I withhold my judgments if I am not willing to deal with my own flaws. May my motivation in evaluating someone else's life be to help.  Prepare me to help other people when needed. Instruct me when to stop offering my help to those who don't want it.