Kingdom Come: A Warning Against Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:1-12)
Jesus is in Jerusalem, it’s the week before his death and he’s going back and forth with the religious leaders of the day who are about to arrest him on trumped up charges and then execute him in just a few days.
1. The Problem of Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:1-7)
- Jesus confronts the religious leaders, highlighting their hypocrisy. Though they taught the law of Moses, they failed to practice what they preached, placing heavy burdens on others without helping to carry them. Jesus wasn’t against the Pharisee’s teaching, but it was the fact they weren’t practicing what they were preaching, they lacked integrity.
- Jesus is most likely referring to the Mishna. It was a group of teachings that grew up around the Torah and kind of rabbinic Judaism that added a complex legal code of 1500 extra commands on top of the hundreds of commands in what we call the Old Testament and put them on equal footing.
- Examine our lives for consistency between what we say and what we do. Are we quick to judge others without offering help? Do we live out the values we proclaim?
2. Servant Leadership Over Status (Matthew 23:8-11)
- Jesus calls His disciples to reject the titles and honours the Pharisees sought, emphasising that greatness in His kingdom comes through servanthood, not power or status.
- Embrace a heart of service in leadership roles, whether in the church, workplace, or home. True leadership is about humility and serving others, not seeking recognition.
3. Exaltation Through Humility (Matthew 23:12)
- Jesus teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. This is a reversal of the world’s system of power and recognition.
- Cultivate humility in daily life. Rather than seeking to elevate ourselves, look for opportunities to serve others quietly and without expectation of reward. Trust that God will lift us up in His time.
Three Practical Applications:
- Practice Listening More Than Speaking:
- Focus on truly hearing others, especially in moments of conflict or when you are in a position of leadership. Listening is a form of humble service that helps us avoid becoming like the Pharisees who burden others.
- Engage in Acts of Service Without Recognition:
- Take on tasks or responsibilities that no one else wants to do, and do them without seeking acknowledgment. This helps us practice humility and servanthood, modelling the example of Jesus.
- Pray for Personal Integrity and Accountability:
- Regularly ask God to align your public and private life. Invite accountability from trusted friends or mentors to ensure you are living out the values you teach or proclaim.
