1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 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.’
This chapter is the climax of confrontations between Jesus and religion. Jesus condemned religion by lament in this chapter. Religion is a satanic counterfeit to truth. In the first 12 verses, Jesus pronounced 12 public woes on religion. These are some of the most excoriating words ever spoken against religion. This is a final warning about the falsity of religion.
23:1
Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples,
Jesus addressed primarily both the crowd and His disciples in chapter 23. He spoke indirectly to the Pharisees (vv. 13-34), the dominant religious group in Israel.
23:2
saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.
Both scribes and Pharisees taught the Mosaic Law. This “seat” was for those who interpreted Moses. The “scribes” were professional scholars of the Torah (five books of Moses).
23:3
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.
There was a discrepancy between the words and the deeds of the religious leaders of Israel. This was hypocrisy, as Jesus showed later in the chapter; they were religious phonies. Their concern was outward conformity to the Law rather than inward love for their Lord. They said the right words but their works did not match those words; by this they trafficked in truth.
23:4
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.
Religion is legalistic and attempts to make heavy demands on those entrapped in it. Legalism is a distortion of the law. Legalists prescribed extra-biblical taboos not found in the Old Testament. They piled on these burdens without any sense of compassion for their followers. These were impossible burdens to bear, but these religious leaders did not care for the people. They were in the business of exploiting their followers.
23:5
But all their works they do to be seen by men.
Everything religion does, it does to be seen of men. This is lust for popularity, love for admiration and praise. The word “seen” means to be seen in public; it is the Greek word from which we get the English word “theater.”
They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.
These religionists were exhibitionists. A phylactery was a small leather box containing four pieces of paper with Scripture written on them. One phylactery was worn on the forehead and one on the wrist. The religionists carried these like good luck charms. The blue tassels on the four corners of their robes were an ostentatious attempt to be viewed as special.
23:6
They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
The religious leaders loved approbation lust. They valued rank and prestige; they sought the most honored seat in the synagogue. Prominence was one of their greatest values.
23:7
greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’
They liked to be recognized by the crowd in public places. They wanted the crowd to call them by the special title of “Rabbi.” A title was more important than inner integrity.
PRINCIPLE:
Approbation lust is toxic in ministry circles.
APPLICATION:
Many evangelical leaders are full of approbation lust. They desire deference and honor (albeit, there is a valid honor, as seen in 1 Th 5). They are in ministry for their own ends.
Ga 6:12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
A lot of people who never read the Bible carry one. This is religious, mechanical superficiality. It is religious observance intended to be seen by men, and doesn’t come from authenticity.
