1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (Matthew 23:1-12 KJV)
A Warning Against Hypocrisy
We do not find Christ, in all his preaching, as severe upon any group as upon the scribes and Pharisees. Nothing is more opposed to the spirit of the gospel than their pride, worldliness, and tyranny, all under the guise of religion. Yet, these men were highly regarded by the people, who thought that if only two men went to heaven, one would be a Pharisee. Christ addresses the multitude and his disciples (Mt 23:1) to correct their misconceptions about these scribes and Pharisees, exposing their true character.
It is good to recognize the true nature of men so that we are not deceived by impressive titles and false claims of authority. People must be warned about wolves (Acts 20:29-30), dogs (Php 3:2), and deceitful workers (2Co 11:13), so they remain on guard. Even disciples need these cautions, as worldly pomp can be deceiving.
Christ acknowledges their office as interpreters of the law. The scribes and Pharisees, who formed the Sanhedrin and oversaw religious matters, sat in Moses’ seat (Mt 23:2), meaning they were public teachers and interpreters of the law. The law of Moses being the foundation of their state, they also functioned as judges. Their position was just and honorable, necessary for guiding the people (Mal 2:7).
Many good positions are filled by bad men; the seat does not honor the man, but rather, a bad man dishonors the seat. However, just because bad men hold an office does not mean the office itself should be condemned. We must not discard valuable institutions because of those who abuse them (Mt 13:30).
Hence, Christ instructs (Mt 23:3), “Whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do.” As long as they read and teach the law given by Moses, which was still in effect, and judge according to it, they must be listened to as reminders of the written word. They had knowledge of Scripture, its language, history, and customs. Christ wanted the people to benefit from their teaching as long as it clarified rather than distorted the truth. We must not reject good teachings simply because they come from bad men. Jesus clarified this to prevent people from assuming that by condemning the scribes and Pharisees, he intended to oppose Moses’ law. Rather, he came to fulfill it. It is wise to separate the office from the officer, ensuring that the ministry itself is not blamed when its ministers are at fault.
However, he condemns their actions. Though he tells the people to follow their teachings, he warns them not to imitate their behavior. They prided themselves on their traditions and practices, yet they were hypocritical. Hypocrisy is particularly offensive to God, who desires truth. Their words and actions were inconsistent. They did not practice what they preached; they taught what was good but did not follow it themselves. Their behavior contradicted their words. Those who profess religion but do not live by it are the most inexcusable of sinners (Mt 24:51).
They imposed burdens on others without lifting a finger to help (Mt 23:4). They enforced strict rules, adding to God’s commands, making religious observance unnecessarily difficult. Yet, they themselves did not follow these burdensome laws. They took pleasure in controlling others but sought ease for themselves. Like oppressive rulers, they demanded compliance without showing mercy.
They were obsessed with outward appearances rather than true devotion (Mt 23:5). True godliness seeks to glorify God, not oneself. Christ had previously rebuked them for making a show of prayer and almsgiving. Their religion was a performance; they sought admiration rather than a genuine relationship with God. They were diligent in public acts of worship but neglected private devotion. A faith that is only for show is empty and ineffective.
They broadened their phylacteries. These were small scrolls of paper or parchment, carefully written with passages of the law (Ex 13:2-11, 11-16; Dt 6:4-9, 11:13-21). Sewn into leather, they were worn on their foreheads and arms. The Pharisees made these phylacteries extra wide to appear more holy. It is good to strive for true holiness, but it is prideful to seek only its appearance. Outward displays of piety without true devotion can be deceptive (Pr 27:14).
They enlarged the borders of their garments. God commanded the Jews to add borders or fringes to their garments (Nu 15:38) as a reminder that they were His chosen people. But the Pharisees made theirs extra large to draw attention, as if they were more religious than others. Those who focus on outward displays while lacking love for God and others may deceive people now but will ultimately deceive themselves.
They sought preeminence and superiority (Mt 23:6-7). They desired places of honor and recognition. At feasts and in synagogues, they expected the best seats and took delight in being given precedence over others. Seeking prominence in the synagogue, where people should be humbling themselves before God, is especially hypocritical. David, in contrast, was willing to be at the threshold of God’s house rather than seek a chief seat (Ps 84:10).
They loved public greetings and being recognized in marketplaces. They enjoyed being addressed as “Rabbi” and having people clear the way for them, feeding their vanity. While showing respect to teachers is commendable, for them to demand and delight in it shows pride. Instead of teaching humility, they needed to learn it themselves.
He warns His disciples against following their example (Mt 23:8-10). They were not to seek such titles for themselves. It is not wrong to show respect to spiritual leaders, but Christ’s ministers must not pursue titles like Rabbi or Master as distinctions. Ministers should not act as rulers over people’s faith but as humble servants.
Only one person is our Master, Christ (Mt 23:8, 10). Christ alone is our ultimate Teacher and Guide. Ministers are merely assistants in His school. If Christ is our only Master, then for ministers to demand supremacy or infallibility is a direct challenge to His authority.
All of you are brothers. Ministers are not only brothers to one another but also to those they serve. Therefore, they should not seek superiority. All Christians are fellow disciples under one Master. “Call no man your father on earth” (Mt 23:9) means not to establish any man as the founder, director, or governor of faith. Paul called himself a father to those he led to Christ (1Co 4:15; Phm 1:10), but he did not claim dominion over them.
Jesus then gives a lesson on humility (Mt 23:11). “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” This is not just a title but a calling. Those in positions of honor should not see it as a privilege for self-promotion but as an opportunity for service. Paul, though free, made himself a servant to all (1Co 9:19).
Finally, Jesus gives a clear warning (Mt 23:12): “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled.” If they repent, they will humble themselves; if not, they will eventually be humiliated. If the proud are not humbled in this life, they will be in eternity (Dan 12:2). “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” God values humility and will reward it. In eternity, those who have humbled themselves before God and others will be exalted before all and crowned in glory.