Matthew 23

Our text starts today from Matthew 23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Matthew 23:1‭-‬4 NIV Let's start with that and break it down…

Origin of text: this comes from Jesus' teaching, out amongst the people. • VS 2) "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat." 1. Who's are the teachers of the law & Pharisees? Temple Leaders, Pastors. They are symbolic to our current day politicians and pastors. As Moses was the pastor or prophet so are you present day leaders. Moses was the law maker passing the Word down to the people. Their mission is to be uphold the law and performing the priestly duties. They where the mediators between God and the people. ambassadors of righteousness Identifying the problem. • VS 3&4) "So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." Principle without practice. This is what causes you to become Pharisaical or Phari-osystemic. (Talking but nothing you say will produce. Jesus points out… "Do what they say do, not as they do" Or in other Words follow their teachings, pay attention to their principles but don't follow their practices.

A lot of people are anointed to do they do but that does mean they do what they're pose to do. Practices with principles. Their action dictates that of a task master. (Exodus 1:11-12) I heard a man say once "that's like giving me ten dollars and tell me to make ten thousand only using the stock market with no experience.

Oftentimes we encounter leaders who burden us with things that they do not encounter.

Give this offering, join to this event, but then there is not principle or purpose of growth.

Identify the Motive or Spirit of cause. Matthew 23:1‭-‬7 NIV “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others. A. Pride Come from a desire for praise & attention. Can also offspring from Envy or Greed. A leader who can't humble selves are victims of the Pharisaical mindset Selfish ambitious A level of humility must be found (parable of the wedding seats, Luke 14:7-11) Many who indulgent in titles and high positions, bring about arrogance. Notice Matthew 23:12 is the same as Luke 14:11

Addressing the Solution. Matthew 23:8‭-‬12 NIV “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. A. Humiliation, kills pride. People of high position, already exalted by man, will find wisdom in being humble. (James 1:10) Jesus said call each other BROTHER (brother prophet, sister pastor) We are all students of CHRIST. No one is your father, but GOD, the true heaven spiritual father B… Expose pride. Exposing people who try to undermine or belittle the next man. The solution to this Spirit of Pride is Servitude. (Matt 23:11) Humility comes from being afflicted or event of humiliation. (Show me someone who feel entitled, I'll show you the spirit of pride) Truthful leaders will deny themselves, giving credit or value to the next man.

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