Matthew 23:1-12

As we have observed throughout the book of Matthew, Jesus has much to say to the scribes and Pharisees (those who had created a man-made system of righteousness). The scribes and Pharisees loved to be seen by others as they "performed" their good deeds because their motivation was selfish. They did not do good things because they loved God but rather because they wanted others to think they were spiritual. In addition to the Old Testament law, the scribes and Pharisees had also added some of their own rules and regulations by which they judged the spirituality of others. Jesus quickly became frustrated with these groups of people mostly because they believed obedience to ritual was more important that obedience with the heart. In this particular passage of Matthew, Jesus lays out his characterization of the scribes and Pharisees - He unveils the real issue. He began by telling the listeners that the scribes and Pharisees enjoyed sitting in Moses' seat (the highest position of authority in educating the people in the Old Testament law) because they could tell people what to do (23:3). But, Jesus says that His disciples should not be like them because they tell others what to do without obeying it themselves. Furthermore, Jesus tells His followers in verse 4 that the scribes and Pharisees create heavy burdens for people, meaning that their "extra" rules and regulations cause people frustration with their spiritual life. The reason these additional laws created discouragement was that they were not from God. I am a firm believer that we should ALWAYS follow God's laws and everything revealed in His Word, but I am totally against adhering to a set of man-made conditions for spirituality. In verses 5-7 Jesus exposes the real heart of the scribes and Pharisees - they wanted to feel better about themselves and they wanted others to think they are close to God. Closeness to God begins with humility, it begins by being a servant to others (23:11). We are never closer to God than when we have admitted our weakness and our inability to please Him on our own. The promise is very clear in verse 12 - those who humble themselves will be exalted and those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Don't walk around appearing that you have God and life all figured out, but rather evidence humility before Him each day as you depend on His mercy and grace.

Dear God, I need You today and ask for Your help as I desire to be humble. May I not exalt myself or think that I have You figured out, but help me to remain weak before You.