Summary
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” 23.12
Chapter 23 amounts to an unrestrained tongue lashing against the Scribes and Pharisees. Even though Jesus speaks directly to the crowds and his disciples, He is indirectly condemning the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. They do not practice what they preach because what they preach is impossible to live. Even though they appear cloaked in righteousness, Jesus strips them naked to reveal the self-righteous idolatry of their hearts. Jesus declares that their “righteousness” is not about honoring God at all; it is about receiving honor, obtaining position, and wielding power. Their religion is about achieving greatness BEFORE men and FROM God. Jesus warns against following such men, for they are not as great as they appear. On the contrary, God humbles men who seek to be recognized and expect to be served. The men that God exalts are those who deny their own greatness, and humbly serve.
Bible References
- Matthew 23:1 - 12
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