a warning from Jesus

Read Jesus’ words speaking to his disciples and the multitudes about scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:2-7.

“…saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ “

To his disciples and followers he says in verses 8-12…

“But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.“

Jesus seems to be saying that He wants equality amongst those who follow Him. I don’t think we have followed these instructions very well. Christianity today looks very little like this. One “leader” after another is exalted over others. Followers become people who do not take responsibility for their own relationship with God. Followers seem to think "the “leader” knows best and is closer to God and hears His voice." He or she may have a title that reflects a life of study and dedication to God. Followers dupe themselves into a life of “sit back and watch the show“. This life will produce complacency towards God and dependence on this system.

Our Teacher is the Christ. Our Father is in heaven. We are created for a "one on one" relationship with Him.

Matthew 8:13... “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.”

Jesus strongly issues a warning to those who set themselves above others in religious settings. He accuses these particular scribes and Pharisees of hypocrisy and of shutting people out of the kingdom of heaven. Dangerous situations are created when people are put up on pedestals. Danger for the ones put on the pedestal and danger for the ones putting them there. Jesus never intended this.

Let God be God… man be man… and not confuse the two.