More like Him Part 1

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren … But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. - Matthew 23:1-8, 11-12

Pleaese note this is part one of a two-part series.

Over the next few weeks, I ask you to join me in studying the illustrations and warnings of Jesus. Each lesson will provide practical instruction which Jesus used to guide us in His will for our lives. These studies will help us to be more like Jesus in the midst of the troubling days in which we live.

The apostle Paul pointed out that there is no authority on earth that is not ordained by God, and Jesus began His instruction by warning His followers to obey the Pharisees who were the Jewish government at that time (under the overarching Roman authority). Jesus highlighted that we must obey those in authority over us, even when they are corrupt (Matthew 23:2-3).

In our society, it is easy to find examples of governmental corruption, yet we are still called to obey the laws that they institute and to respect the office that they hold. The United States appears to be more divided than ever, and many people have lost respect for our elected officials. Whether we agree with their policies or actions, Jesus commands us to submit to and show respect for the officials placed over us. It is easy to lash out in pride, but Jesus says that we will give an account for every idle word spoken in anger (Matthew 12:36). Therefore, when our elections do not turn out as we had hoped, we are called to have faith that God has a plan and He will use even the actions of unjust authorities to fulfill His will. We should refuse to speak ill of them, pray for the wisdom of all our leaders, and that God's will be done.

Although Jesus commanded us to obey the authorities, it does not prevent Him from using the Pharisees as a warning to us all about how not to live. Jesus frequently labelled the Pharisees as hypocrites because they publicly presented a persona that diverged from their character. They labored in studying Torah and the hundreds of religious Jewish traditions. This education could be compared to a modern-day Doctor of Theology, and they believed that they deserved the benefits that were due this exalted position. They craved public honor and the platitudes that their positions offered them. They wore fine religious robes and made their phylacteries – fringed cords which were used in Jewish prayers and as a reminder of Yahweh's Law – more prominent than others in a sign of their "holiness."

Jesus taught that salvation comes through humility, repentance, and faith. We have all sinned and can never do enough good to earn salvation. The Pharisees seemed to imply that they had earned their own salvation. Their self-righteousness allowed them to look down on and judge those who they believed did not measure up to their standard (Luke 18:10-14). When Jesus surrounded Himself with "sinners," the Pharisees judged Him. They thought that they were too good for such associations. They were experts in the law and believed that righteousness came by keeping the law, so they believed only they were worthy of deciding who was worthy.

Part two of this article will be published on September 22.