ESOCS Devotional 7 March 2024 – The Way of Hypocrites
MEMORY VERSE: “The Scribes and Pharisees sit on Moses’s seat. All therefore whatever they bid you observe, that observe and do, but do not ye after their works for they say and do not.” Matthew 23:2-3
TEXT: MATTHEW 23:1-12
Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 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.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
Moses gave the law from God; the Scribes and Pharisees sit down to teach and interpret it to the congregation. Although there were some of their teachings that were not acceptable to our Lord Jesus Christ and which He therefore condemned (Mk 7:10-13), it will appear that some of their teachings were correct, especially when they stood up to read from the law and the Prophets. However, our Lord Jesus Christ identified and exposed their way that we might learn.
They taught men to do what is in the law to the last letter but their lives were not consistent with what they taught. They taught men to be humble but they were pride personified. But whether they did what they taught or not, Jesus Christ would have us follow their teachings, but not their works. You may find such characters either among your Sunday School Teachers, Elder-in-Charge or Preachers. As long as what they teach is consistent with scripture, please obey and do them. If they teach you to pay tithe and themselves do not pay tithe, it doesn’t make their teaching wrong; so, pay your tithe. Just don’t do the wrong things you see them do.
On the other hand, Teachers, Preachers and Administrators are advised to live by what you teach, lest having shown others the way, you become a castaway (1 Cor. 9:27). As Teachers of the people, let us be mindful that our lifestyle is read by the people we teach, as we read the Bible. What Apostle Luke in the Acts of the Apostle wrote about our Lord Jesus Christ is instructive: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.”
Jesus’ life and deeds were consistent with His teachings and so should ours be; otherwise, we become hypocrites like the Scribes and Pharisees. He was spotless and blameless, righteous, holy and pure. Such was the gospel He preached and taught. He preached faith and demonstrated faith like none before Him and none after Him. He preached forgiveness and all through His ministry He forgave men and women. On the cross of His glorification, He cried: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
On their part, the apostles faithfully preached Christ crucified, His death, resurrection and ascension, and faith in Him as the source of eternal life. We have no record that any of them was ill spoken of for sinful behavior. Let us follow their pattern and do what we teach so that at the end we also shall wear the crown of righteousness, which the Lord shall give unto us.
- Examine your private life. Does it agree with your public presentation?
- Father, help me to live true to the gospel you have committed into my hand, both in my private and public life.
Further Readings: Matthew 23:23-32; 1 Timothy 4:12-16
ESOCS Devotional 7 March 2024
