1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. (Matthew 23:1-4)
Thoughts: Jesus was the King of kings. Yet He could have flinched at obeying bad rule makers. He did not foment a rebellion against the Romans- even encouraging rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's, though He certainly did not approve of their behavior. Later the Romans would be the ones to kill Him. He criticized the Pharisees because they had corrupted the faith. This whole chapter is a scathing criticism- seven woes and a tough introduction. But here he clearly calls for the people to listen to them since they were over them. In a few days these Pharisees whom He said to listen to would have Him killed on the cross.
The Pharisees were hypocritical because they did not practice what they preached. They made all these human rules but did not keep them. They were great about making rules, but they did not believe in grace. Jesus was about hope, grace, and love- the motivational things that make religion worthwhile. We should not focus on the moral side of faith as much as the motivational side. Luther said, "Love God and do what you will." He meant if we love God the rest will fall into line.
Prayer: Lord, help me to love you with hear, soul, mind and strength. Forgive me when I do not practice what I preach.
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