Pure Motives?

January 20, 2008

Matthew 23 (ESV)
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Jesus was tough on the scribes and Pharisees for two major reasons: first, they were hyprocrites. Second, they just didn't follow the law. What they did, they did to be seen by man, not God. What they desired was respect from men, not approval from God (i.e. "Well done my good and faithful servant."). They knew the law, and instead of following it, they sought loopholes for their gain.

Do you do this in your life? There are many cultural things we do that we consider Christian. Do you judge people on how they dress at church? If their attire is modest, can you say anything else? Have you every asked "do you tithe on Net or Gross?" Or "do you tithe on gifts?" Do you volunteer at church or in the community to be noticed or get pats on the back? The list can go on and on.

Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind? Do you love your neighbor? (Matthew 22:37-38). Do you set your interests on things above or on the things this world has to offer? (Colossians 3:2).

Matthew 23 (ESV)
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.