Lesson 2376

(Lesson 2376)(06-16-18) Matthew 23:1-12
    “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. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 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.”

   In today’s quote, Jesus called out the hierarchy of the Jews, exposing them for the hypocrites they really were.
    Sadly, today, there are still so-called church authorities who dress, and conduct themselves, much like those scribes and Pharisees Jesus described in today’s lesson. Roman Catholicism along with those denominations that have spun off from it, are a prime example of just that.
    There is nothing in the New Testament that either advocates for, or condones, those kinds of self exaltation. As a matter of fact, in the latter part of this very lesson, Jesus instructed His on to set themselves apart from those types commanding that the least should be first and the greatest last in His church. We, the children of God are to remain humble among our brothers and sisters in Christ, and subject ourselves, first to the service of the Lord, then to the service of those less fortunate that we.~