Jesus pulls no punches when He lets the Pharisees have it. It’s almost fun to sit back and listen to Him blast these hypocrites. I’ve found that reading Matthew 23 isn’t quite as fun when I see myself in there place at times. Those of us who grew up in church are more prone to follow their example than we’d like to think.

 

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 23:1-39

 

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 23:12

 

Most of what drove the Pharisees and their hypocritical expressions of religion was their concern for what others thought of them. My pride does nothing good. My ego typically leads me down a path where God eventually has to humble me. Not a good place.

 

Living Out: APPLY IT

 

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

 

While my “practices” of faith may be different than the Pharisees, I have at times taken pride in being “in the know” on how to look the part of a spiritual leader. I never want to lose sight of the fact that I am not good enough…no matter what I’ve done in the name of Jesus. I serve, not to earn points, but to show my shear gratitude for what only Jesus could do for me.

 

Dear Father, forgive me for my moments of feeling self-righteous. I am a sinner, plane and simple. I am in desperate need of your grace. I’m no better than anyone else. Even when I get something right, it’s not a moment for me to relish in my own effort or achievement. I want to always be very aware of the constant need of your grace in my life.