Matthew 23:1-12

This is a transitional passage in our journey through Matthew’s Gospel (which ends at the end of the current liturgical year, on November 22). Jesus has silenced his challengers from among the religious authorities. As they have left the temple, he turns to his followers still gathered there to talk with them about how they ought to follow, and not follow, the religious authorities. These days, when we again have many people seeking to preach and teach the Gospel in ways that contradict each other, this passage is sobering for pastors like me.

In verse 2, Jesus says, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat.” What does he mean? It will help to do a little research on who the scribes and Pharisees were. If your Bible has footnotes and interpretive essays, search among those. 

In verse 3, we hear (perhaps the source) of the well-worn counsel for those who live under the rule of hypocrites: “Do as they say, not as they do.”

Notice how Jesus then elaborates on the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees in vv. 4-7, then counsels proper leaders in 8-10. Verses 11 and 12 are what is called a “gloss” — a generalized statement summing up his specific teaching.

Even though I hope you like me, it is your responsibility to guard against any creeping Phariseeism you catch me in. To this end, Am I becoming a bit too enamored of my own clergy robe and stoles? 😉