Matthew 23:1-12
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They 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. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students.
9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
”From Beliefs to Here and Now”
We still have a Moses' chair at the synagogue of Chorazin three miles north of the Sea of Galilee. The chair was usually used by the preacher who was commenting upon or explaining Scriptures to the worshiping congregation. Sitting in that chair means that the preacher is qualified to teach with authority and that his teaching has divine reference, reverence and influence.
Moses’ Seat at Chorazin
The simple faithful expect to see the "teachers" actually adhere to what they explain, and to live out what they ask the believers to do. Yet in daily reality, they witness a big contrast and a huge gap between what they teach and what they live.
Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes and Herodians fail to trap Jesus. Now He is going to react to their attempts. He denounces their hypocrisy and reveals their lack of commitment to the Torah and how they exploit their positions to exalt themselves.
Jesus reminds His disciples:
To listen to the messenger and extract the good message;
If the messenger does not satisfy you, don't bury the message;
React with love, even if you have to use harsh speech. Love may lead to changing views and ways;
Practice what you proclaim to believe;
Don't seek self-promotion or superiority over others;
Doing good things is certainly good, but to do good things to gain a high reputation and superiority over people is devoid of goodness;
Serve with humility to grow in confidence and respect;
Remember Matthew 23:12, "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted."
May we practice what we believe in with humility as the Lord Himself did during His earthly life!