MATTHEW 23 REPROOFS In Jerusalem the multitudes gathered to hear the Lord Jesus speak. The whole city would have been aware He was there and wanted to hear how the Messiah would go about bringing the kingdom back to Israel. Roman rule that kept them subservient grated on them so much that there had been attempts at insurrection. Instead of hearing Him speak against those they considered oppressors, they heard warnings and reproofs against their own leadership. Inconsistency is a common leadership problem that those who are supposed to follow them can pick up on quite easily. When those who lead insist you do what they say, but what they do and say are quite different, people will reject their leadership. The expectation is that those who lead will lead us by example, not just by their words of authority.
Another reason why people will not respect the leadership of some is because of their insistence on man- made forms that have been designed. Some may have been passed on for generations and others may be newly imposed burdens. Legalism is the result of man-made laws that have burdensome demands based on opinions. Sometimes it is for outward appearance. Other times those who impose those legal demands will teach that these are necessary for salvation. This idea is found in the "Jesus plus..." religions. It can also be found where people add man's ideas of proofs of salvation being external instead of new life within. A new creation has an inward change that expresses itself outwardly rather than just outward changes without a new nature.
Hypocrisy has as its motivation the desire for people to see what one would consider evidence of their own piety and spirituality. The impression one makes is important to those who practice this. The desire to be highly regarded by man is more important to them than what God thinks. Visual testimony only has weight when it is consistent with reality that comes from a genuine desire within to please God. To know the scriptures and teach them to others as truth but not practice them is hypocrisy. Position is more important to those who do that than loyalty to God. We must be true to our own ethical teaching.
The motives behind our practices are what really are important. Interpretations of the scripture must be consistent with the context and with God's intention throughout the Word of God. The desire for a position of authority has to be consistent with the responsibilities God expects us to fulfill according to His will. Recognition from God is what is important - not the recognition from the people as one who is popular.
Flattering titles given and received are not what establishes one's leadership. Because one is given the title "Rabbi" or teacher, does not mean that person is the final authority on divine things. Reject that title. When one is called "father" does not mean that person is able to give spiritual life to others. Regeneration comes only from the Spirit of God. Reject that title. The word "Master" is reserved for the Lord Jesus Christ. He has the final word to the soul's need that people have. Reject that title. Only the Word of God can meet that person's need. False religion is imposed on a person. God alone gives the new birth, has the final authority, consistently guides us into His truth and gives power to the new life.
As I listened to the woes the Lord pronounced on the scribes and Pharisees, the contrast between them and the Beatitudes the Lord gave at the beginning of His public ministry stood out. There was the contrast of inward humility and their outward arrogance. There was the contrast of comfort after suffering with pain after pride. The meek are contrasted with blind guides, their moral power under control with the immoral profaning of holy things. Spiritual health is contrasted with spiritual disease; mercy with extortion and purity of heart with uncleanness of life. These people were boasting of their heritage but were acting as those in the past who killed the prophets and the Lord's people. Hell is the destination of those who sow sin. Abel was the first example and Zechariah the last example of people who were killed by those who claimed to be God's people and brought their sacrifices they thought made them acceptable. The consequences of their attitudes and actions will come upon those who go against God and His people.
The grief of the Lord Jesus over Jerusalem is a touching reminder of how God looks upon those He loves and who choose to reject Him. When the human will, is set against God's will, it does not bring pleasure to God to remove His protection from them. He wants to bless them - "I would... ye would not." He cleansed the house at the beginning of His ministry and again at the end of His ministry. Now the house is left desolate because God has moved out. He is no longer there. He does not excuse them from the consequences of continuing in sin. Those who reject Him will not be in heaven. They will not defile heaven with their sin. God is a God of grace, but grace spurned will give way to coming judgment and doom.
When warnings are given there is always a reason. It may be from dangers that happen in the changing of seasons. Storms about to fall give opportunity to change From a place of danger to where one can be safe. When it comes to changes from truth to the opinions of men - There is a far greater danger to people then when It is only weather - this one is really potentially bad - Because the outcome of false teaching, leaves people forever sad.
When position is more important than loyalty To God and His Word, most people can see There is a personal agenda one has in mind. Sometimes it is burdens imposed on others to bind With a list of "dos and don'ts" that are grievous to bear. So those who claim authority want all the rest to be aware - They believe they are in authority, not a willing servant, Whose role is meeting needs by being observant.
The true teacher is the Lord, we don't demand that position. And a father is known by his powers of observation And willingness and ability to meet the needs of spiritual children -
Who are struggling in their lives when things overwhelm them. The real Master is the Lord who gives us direction - And is able to confirm a work with words of affection. God alone is the guide who in grace and truth shows the way For us to live effective lives for the Lord every day.
"Father, in Thy Word I see warnings that relate to the work we are presently engaged in. If I am to speak some words of guidance and reproof, I pray this will be made very plain to me and that I may be given words of wisdom and a spirit of grace to do so under the direction of the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
Matthew 23:11,12. “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” THE SERVANT. We have choices to make that are given so plain; That affects every action of life. One, God says, leads to ultimate gain – The other will likely bring to us strife.
When I think service for God, is first in my day, It is not wise to tell all that I do. To make sure that others know all that I say, God makes sure that I’ll be brought low.
God is the One who knows all that’s inside, Though I advertise all that I’ve done. To set myself up means it’s a work of my pride, And God determines to bring me way down.
When a man or a woman does service for others – God looks with delight upon them. The person who truly loves his sisters and brothers, Will end up as a leader of men.
I must remember, all of my life, What God has determined for me. One who is humbled, He wants to up lift. One self-exalted, by Him humbled will be.
“O Father God, who knows all of my inner life including ambition, attitudes, and thoughts: I need help to make sure I do not mislead anyone, misrepresent myself, or mistakenly advertise my work. I do want to give all glory to Thee for anything that is done, but there are times when I wonder if I am involved in self-exaltation. Please keep me looking only unto Thee in all times and for all reasons. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”