Matthew 23:23-27 | “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! – Matthew 23:23
I’ve always looked up to my sister for being active in church, for reading her Bible, praying, and serving others. While talking with Elise about her first year in college, she revealed an experience that moved her to further self-examination. Elise told me about an incident with a girl Elise had looked up to as a role model—a believer in Jesus. Until the girl became part of an unruly mob of partygoers. Then Elise resented her, but God caused my sister to check her own heart.
Scripture reveals that there was a sect of Jewish clergy, the Pharisees, who loved to judge others rather than examine themselves. Throughout His ministry, Jesus came into conflict with them. While they judged Jesus a blasphemer, the Lord labeled them hypocrites. He noted the Pharisees’ superficial obsession with Jewish law during His final visit to the temple at Jerusalem. Jesus made an insightful statement regarding their view: “You give a tenth of your spices . . . . But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23).
Going to church, taking communion, prayer—all of these are good. However, if done solely to signify one’s moral superiority, then they are pointless. Our goal isn’t simply piety and following religious rules for their sake, but to become better examples of Christ’s love and bring this hope on Earth as we share it with others. —Anthony Jones
Are there any faith disciplines you elevate above godly love for others?
God, help us seek the most excellent way of loving You and our neighbor, without discrimination.