Today's Gospel message comes from Matthew 23:1-12, Humble yourselves, where Jesus, in no uncertain terms, criticizes the religious leaders of His day, particularly the Pharisees and teachers of the law.
Let us revisit the text:
Let us revisit the text:
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.Heavenly Father, as we gather today to delve into the depths of Your Word, we humbly ask for Your guidance and wisdom. Open our hearts and minds to discern the profound truths that Jesus shared about genuine leadership and humility. May we not only be hearers of Your Word but doers as well, embodying the spirit of service and sincerity that Christ exemplified. Remove any veil of pride or misconception from our eyes, and let us be transformed by the eternal truths found within these verses. May Your Holy Spirit illuminate our understanding, drawing us closer to Your heart and further aligning our lives with Your kingdom purposes. Amen.
“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.
“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. (Matthew 23:1-12, NIV)
“The Journey from Pride to Humility”
by Kenny Sallee, ThM
by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Introduction:
Good morning, dear friends. Today, we gather to reflect on a profound message of humility as we draw inspiration from the Gospel of Matthew, specifically from chapter 23, verses 1-12. In these verses, Jesus imparts a lesson that is as relevant today as it was when he first spoke these words to his disciples and the crowds gathered around him.
As we delve into Matthew 23:1-12, we find ourselves in the presence of Jesus, amidst a crowd, unraveling a profound message about the essence of leadership and the significance of true humility in our walk with God.
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were the religious elite of their time. They knew the Scriptures, dictated religious practices, and were perceived as the pinnacle of piety. However, Jesus points out a glaring inconsistency. They preached the law, yet their lives did not mirror their teachings. They were masters in saying but not in doing.
These leaders added burdens to people's lives. While they intricately detailed how others should live, they themselves were unwilling to bear the same burdens. This was not the heart of God, who said, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28).
There's an inherent desire in many to be recognized, to be seen, to be esteemed. The Pharisees were no different. Their actions, though shrouded in religiosity, were often for public display. Their lengthy prayers, their prominent positions, and their titles were means to gain human accolades.
Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, turns the tables by introducing a new paradigm. Instead of seeking to be first, we are to be servants. Instead of being masters, we are to recognize we have only one Master, Christ Himself. In the kingdom of God, the path to true greatness is paved with humility and service.
Let's take a closer look at this passage:
I. The Warning Against Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:1-4)
In this passage, Jesus warns us against the peril of hypocrisy. He begins by pointing out the scribes and Pharisees, who were religious leaders of his time. These individuals held positions of authority and were looked up to by many for their knowledge of the scriptures. However, Jesus saw through their outward displays of piety and identified a crucial flaw: their hearts were far from God. They were more concerned with appearing righteous than with cultivating genuine humility.
Jesus warns us that such hypocrisy can be spiritually destructive. He encourages us to follow the teachings of these religious leaders but not their example. Instead, we are called to live out the true spirit of humility.
II. The Heart of Humility (Matthew 23:5-7)
In the subsequent verses, Jesus vividly describes the Pharisees' desire for recognition. They loved the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. Their focus was on earthly honor and prestige rather than on the things of God. They sought the praise of people rather than the approval of the Almighty.
This reminds us that humility is not just about appearing humble on the surface. True humility flows from the heart. It is not interested in applause or accolades; rather, it seeks to honor God and serve others without expecting anything in return.
III. The Exaltation of the Humble (Matthew 23:8-12)
In the final verses of our passage, Jesus provides a beautiful contrast to the self-seeking attitudes of the religious leaders. He emphasizes that the greatest among us should be servants of all. He tells us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Jesus himself exemplified this teaching through his life. He, the Son of God, took on the role of a servant, washing his disciples' feet and ultimately giving his life on the cross for our redemption. His humility led to his exaltation, as he was raised from the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father.
This message rings true for us today. We are often enticed by the allure of worldly recognition. We want to be seen, acknowledged, and praised. But the gospel calls us to a different standard—to seek the applause of heaven rather than earth, to serve rather than be served.
In Jesus, we have the perfect example. He, being God, humbled Himself, taking on the nature of a servant. He died a sacrificial death for our sins so that through Him, we might have eternal life. This is the heart of the gospel—a Savior who showed us what true humility and love look like.
Conclusion:
My dear friends, the message of Matthew 23:1-12 is clear: we are called to humble ourselves, just as Jesus did. True humility is not about self-degradation but about recognizing our dependence on God and our duty to serve others. It's about having a heart that seeks God's approval above all else.
As we reflect on this message, let us examine our own hearts. Are we like the Pharisees, seeking recognition and applause, or are we truly humble, seeking to serve and honor God? Let us remember that the way of humility, as shown by Jesus, leads to exaltation in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.
May we, inspired by these words, strive to live a life of authentic humility, imitating the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In doing so, we will not only find favor in God's sight but also become instruments of His grace and love in this world. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Good morning, dear friends. Today, we gather to reflect on a profound message of humility as we draw inspiration from the Gospel of Matthew, specifically from chapter 23, verses 1-12. In these verses, Jesus imparts a lesson that is as relevant today as it was when he first spoke these words to his disciples and the crowds gathered around him.
As we delve into Matthew 23:1-12, we find ourselves in the presence of Jesus, amidst a crowd, unraveling a profound message about the essence of leadership and the significance of true humility in our walk with God.
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were the religious elite of their time. They knew the Scriptures, dictated religious practices, and were perceived as the pinnacle of piety. However, Jesus points out a glaring inconsistency. They preached the law, yet their lives did not mirror their teachings. They were masters in saying but not in doing.
These leaders added burdens to people's lives. While they intricately detailed how others should live, they themselves were unwilling to bear the same burdens. This was not the heart of God, who said, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28).
There's an inherent desire in many to be recognized, to be seen, to be esteemed. The Pharisees were no different. Their actions, though shrouded in religiosity, were often for public display. Their lengthy prayers, their prominent positions, and their titles were means to gain human accolades.
Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, turns the tables by introducing a new paradigm. Instead of seeking to be first, we are to be servants. Instead of being masters, we are to recognize we have only one Master, Christ Himself. In the kingdom of God, the path to true greatness is paved with humility and service.
Let's take a closer look at this passage:
I. The Warning Against Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:1-4)
In this passage, Jesus warns us against the peril of hypocrisy. He begins by pointing out the scribes and Pharisees, who were religious leaders of his time. These individuals held positions of authority and were looked up to by many for their knowledge of the scriptures. However, Jesus saw through their outward displays of piety and identified a crucial flaw: their hearts were far from God. They were more concerned with appearing righteous than with cultivating genuine humility.
Jesus warns us that such hypocrisy can be spiritually destructive. He encourages us to follow the teachings of these religious leaders but not their example. Instead, we are called to live out the true spirit of humility.
II. The Heart of Humility (Matthew 23:5-7)
In the subsequent verses, Jesus vividly describes the Pharisees' desire for recognition. They loved the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. Their focus was on earthly honor and prestige rather than on the things of God. They sought the praise of people rather than the approval of the Almighty.
This reminds us that humility is not just about appearing humble on the surface. True humility flows from the heart. It is not interested in applause or accolades; rather, it seeks to honor God and serve others without expecting anything in return.
III. The Exaltation of the Humble (Matthew 23:8-12)
In the final verses of our passage, Jesus provides a beautiful contrast to the self-seeking attitudes of the religious leaders. He emphasizes that the greatest among us should be servants of all. He tells us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Jesus himself exemplified this teaching through his life. He, the Son of God, took on the role of a servant, washing his disciples' feet and ultimately giving his life on the cross for our redemption. His humility led to his exaltation, as he was raised from the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father.
This message rings true for us today. We are often enticed by the allure of worldly recognition. We want to be seen, acknowledged, and praised. But the gospel calls us to a different standard—to seek the applause of heaven rather than earth, to serve rather than be served.
In Jesus, we have the perfect example. He, being God, humbled Himself, taking on the nature of a servant. He died a sacrificial death for our sins so that through Him, we might have eternal life. This is the heart of the gospel—a Savior who showed us what true humility and love look like.
Conclusion:
My dear friends, the message of Matthew 23:1-12 is clear: we are called to humble ourselves, just as Jesus did. True humility is not about self-degradation but about recognizing our dependence on God and our duty to serve others. It's about having a heart that seeks God's approval above all else.
As we reflect on this message, let us examine our own hearts. Are we like the Pharisees, seeking recognition and applause, or are we truly humble, seeking to serve and honor God? Let us remember that the way of humility, as shown by Jesus, leads to exaltation in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.
May we, inspired by these words, strive to live a life of authentic humility, imitating the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In doing so, we will not only find favor in God's sight but also become instruments of His grace and love in this world. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the message of humility and service that Jesus has shown us. We confess our tendencies to seek recognition and praise, often placing our desires above Yours. Help us to embrace the humility demonstrated by Jesus. Teach us to serve others selflessly, to lift burdens rather than add to them, and to walk in genuine faith, not just in outward displays. We are grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus, who showed us the true essence of love and humility. May our lives reflect His teachings. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Gospel message by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
Today's Gospel message comes from Matthew 23:1-12 ,"Humble yourselves," where Jesus, in no uncertain terms, criticizes the religious leaders of His day, particularly the Pharisees and teachers of the law.
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