Blind Guides
Matthew 23 Summary
The same Lord Jesus who is meek, and who loves little children in this chapter of Matthew does not hold back. The Lord reveals to the masses of people and to his disciples the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. They say one thing but do another. The Lord instructs the people to do what they say, but don’t do what they do. They are only concerned about what men think, and not about what God thinks. They place heavy burdens on others but don’t lift a finger. They desire to be called by lifted up names like Rabbi or Father.
To the people the Lord says, “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whomever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
The Lord goes on to condemn the Pharisees, calling them blind guides. They sit and take the time to measure everything but neglect the important matters of life like justice, mercy or faith. The Lord goes on to list many other failings and the judgment to come upon them.
Then our heartbroken Lord closes out this chapter of Matthew “I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings but you were not willing!”
Consideration
We need to be careful not to become so religious that we lose sight of God. It is good to keep track of our spiritual growth but man makes the mistake so often of measuring himself against other men instead of against God. When this happens we repel men away from the gospel. This is what the Pharisees were doing by measuring every action they took and then lorded it over them. We also need to do as Jesus said. Let us humble ourselves and let the Lord exalt us, instead of lifting ourself up only to be humbled.
Prayer:
Lord thank you for my salvation, for the garment you have provided me through Jesus Christ your Son. Lord you made the payment for me, a payment I could not cover. My debt only grew but you delivered me. Help me to walk worthy through your Spirit. When I fail enable me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and quick to repent. I thank you in Jesus name, Amen.
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