Culver Community Church
Pastor Chris Sweeney
Sermon Notes
January 06, 2019
Matthew 23:1 - 12 What not to be – a Pharisee!
{vs. 1-2} The first thing we must recognize is who these comments are made to or the audience. Jesus addresses the crowds and disciples, but omits the religious leaders that He is discussing. We know that they are near (they are always near enough to try to catch any stray words uttered by Jesus) and He will speak directly to them starting at verse thirteen (13). Normally, we would frown on those who talk about others behind their backs, but they are present. We should always speak in such way that it would be acceptable for anyone (especially those mentioned in a conversation) to be right there hearing us! So many times it is the ‘private’ conversations that find a way out into the open that ruin relationships, careers and reputations. Jesus is not airing personal gossip - - - He is giving warning to those in danger of being deceived. We must never be afraid to call out heresy (in God’s love), with the purpose and hope of protecting others from the devastating consequences.
I love Jesus’ candor! In the Greek, this is far more descriptive – “The scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses’ seat”. Now this is not just symbolic, in each of the synagogues there was a special place of authority referred to as Moses' seat. It belonged to the leading teacher, the leading Pharisee, the leading scribe - if you had the seat of Moses in your synagogue, you were the chief teacher - you represented that authority. What Jesus is saying is that these religious leaders had not only made up such a thing, but they had taken it for themselves. This is an authority, a role that God and His Word never gave them! In essence, they had claimed to be experts, kept acting like it and the people did not dispute it (Somehow, I can’t help but think of the story The Emperor’s New Clothes – those Pharisees aren’t wearing any clothes!) They are not what they claim to be, but everyone is too afraid to say so!
Sadly, most people who want a position of power do not deserve it! Jesus’ definition of greatness - . . . whoever would be great among you must be your servant . . . – Matthew 20:26 (He will reiterate this in this chapter!), stands in contrast to these seekers of position. When we think about those leaders commissioned by God, the prophets and leaders of His people – by far they matched the image of Elijah, or of John the Baptist – men in humble attire, from all walks of life who served. Even God’s example of King (David) was a shepherd, not an aristocrat! The Pharisees only authority came from the Word of God itself (not given in the Word but they claimed the authority of the Word!). However, they took that Devine truth and mingled in their own interpretations and even added or subtracted to fit their own needs – not God’s and not those of the people! By doing this they corrupted the Scriptures they claimed to revere!
{vs. 3} It is because of God’s Word, because they pretend to be priests of God, that the disciples and people should do and observe what they say. I will carefully add one clarification – when they sit in Moses’ seat and they accurately reflect the Word given to Moses by God! God’s Word does not become void of its power even in the hands of false prophets or Pharisees. However, Jesus has already condemned much of their teaching and their understanding of the Scriptures – don’t observe that! - - - but do not follow in their pattern! This strikes at their whole purpose – to collect followers or disciples who would become just like themselves and take their place when they are gone! While they claimed to be preaching the Scriptures (and did, to some degree), “they do not practice what they preach”. Jesus calls them out as hypocrites! They teach the commandments but find ways to excuse themselves! Outwardly they looked good, but inside their hearts are far from God! Jesus repeatedly taught that it is the condition of the heart that really matters. It is the heart and not the hands or the mouth that is the fountain or source of all kinds of evil, but the Pharisees were all about outward observances.
We are all hypocrites (it is part of the human or sin nature). We all do this to some degree – prayerfully not, as much as they did! Prayerfully and by the power of God’s Holy Spirit within us, we are less and less each day – as we grow into the image of our Savior! It is because of this hypocrisy, this claim to be righteous that they would not be able to receive God’s gift of forgiveness! A person who does not, will not admit that they have a problem cannot receive the solution (even if it is the free gift of God, available for them to claim at any time!)
{vs. 4} To these ‘Rabbis’, leadership or ministry meant handing down verdicts, sitting in judgement over and yes, condemning those who came to them for help. They burdened the people with legalistic interpretations of the commands of God (expanding the already impossible burden to keep the Law) – but refused to hold themselves to the same standards (not lifting the smallest part of that burden!) The image invoked is that of a donkey or other dumb beast of burden, these poor animals would be stacked high with so much tied to them that you couldn’t see the animal anymore, until that proverbial straw (one more tiny thing) would break the camel’s back. These legalists would pile unbearable regulation onto the people without mercy or concern – and they would break under the load!
We know that the natural man has no ability to keep the law (only by God’s Spirit is this possible), we’ve all tried but to no success. We like to think of our hearts as fountains, gentle waves overflowing into our mouths (Matthew 12:34) and actions but Sin is like a wild river raging out from within us, and our very best efforts (alone) are like building dams – they only contain a portion or move the flow to other areas! Sin will always find a way out – whatever is in our heart will eventually come out – by words, by deeds, by inaction - - - wherever it can find a weak point in our defenses! Paul cautions (1 Corinthians 10:11) – “if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!” – it is often wherever you feel strong, that sin finds a way to breakthrough!
{vs. 5-7} All outward appearances! They were in it for themselves, so they could get credit or look like the respectable God-fearing men but the god they served was their own pride! Phylacteries were small, black leather, cube-shaped cases containing Torah texts written on parchment tied to either or both the forehead and hands (taken from a misinterpretation of Deut. 6). So imagine these men with their fine robes with tassels (little dangling strings knotted) hanging down from the four corners of their attire, with these black boxes tied to their heads and hands – highly impractical for living your life, unless of course your purpose is to impress others. At every event and banquet, they would scramble to get the best seats (so that they could be recognized) and they eagerly longed to be called ‘Rabbi’ (master or teacher).
This sort of self-important, self-serving attitude did not die out with the Pharisees, sadly it lives on today. We see it in many of our politicians, professors and men/women of import in various fields. These are frequently found taking the credit for everything but rarely actually doing or helping anyone. Sadly, one of the most common places that they appear is still in religious circles where ‘leaders’ covet titles like bishop, prophet, apostle, right reverend (personally I have been looking to meet a left reverend), father, Dr. of Theology or teacher. Jesus exposes this for what it is and gives the following commands:
{vs. 8-11} This is a difficult thing for us because we naturally want to idolize the people who have helped us in our spiritual journey. However, the proper attitude is to realize that we are all brothers/sisters in Christ – no matter how mature, how wise etc. Personally, I am uncomfortable with any such title but will put up with Pastor simply because that translates from shepherd (one who looks after, feeds and sometimes cleans up after the sheep). Everything that I have, that I teach – I have received from others who came before me or from the Lord directly. I have not created or thought up one thing of value and none of the credit goes to me! I am only doing what God has called me to, serving in whatever ways He has gifted and directed. This is the proper attitude of the man of God – the one who will follow Jesus’ own example and look first to God, then to those around him and finally, to himself.
{vs. 12} This one comment closes the public rebuke of such men, they seek places but God will see that they are humbled. Those who come to God with a servant’s (a humble, contrite) heart however will be exalted! We must see ourselves in the light of God’s truth, as sinful - - - so that He can give us His own righteousness and redeem us! This is the Sermon on the Mount in reverse – taught by contrast. Be like a Kingdom Citizen, not a Pharisee. This is why I have entitled this section “What not to be – a Pharisee!” Seek God first, and all the other things in life (all these things) will be added unto you!