It would break my heart, if I ever heard the Lord say, “Look at Tina. Whatever you do, don’t be like her.” Would our loving Lord Jesus Christ say something like that? Would the Lord expose a list of bad qualities in a person or group, while in front of a multitude of people? In Matthew chapter 23, that was exactly what He did to the scribes and Pharisees, when He was teaching the multitudes and His disciples.
Matthew 23: 1-12
1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, 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 to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' 8 But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
The Lord Jesus used the scribes and Pharisees as an example of incorrect motives, attitudes, and deeds. I don’t believe that any of us would want the Lord to use us as an example of what not to be like. However, these incorrect motives, attitudes, and deeds are not just limited to scribes and Pharisees. So, we need to take to heart what the Lord pointed out about the scribes and Pharisees, and by His grace pursue that which would make Him say, “Look at -- fill in your name. Follow their example!”
First and foremost, the Lord pointed out repeatedly that the scribes and Pharisees were hypocrites. The definition for hypocrite means actor, stage player, or pretender.
Matthew 23: 27-28
27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
They made sure that they looked like they had it all together on the outside, but in reality they were rotten and filthy on the inside. I am sure that it took some effort to look good on the outside, but they neglected to do anything about their inward "hidden" character. Why? Because they cared more about what people thought about them than what the Lord thought about them. Men look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
The scribes and Pharisees put heavy burdens on people that they were not willing to move with their finger. It is hard to know exactly what these heavy burdens were and what exactly it means to bind them, and lay them on people, and not move them. I researched these words in the original Greek language and saw two illustrations of what the Lord might have meant.
One of the illustrations would be that the scribes and Pharisees bound people up with spiritual chains created by harsh accusations of faults that oppress the conscience and soul, and didn't do or say anything that would set the person's conscience and soul free. It would be like the Pharisees sending someone on a guilt trip, leaving them feeling horrible about themselves, and not saying anything that might be encouraging to lift them out of despair. If the scribes and Pharisees' motives were to make people think they were better than others, then making others feel horrible about themselves would probably do the trick!
The other illustration would be that the scribes and Pharisees made other people carry hard loads, because they weren't willing to carry the loads themselves. Maybe the scribes and Pharisees believed that the work was beneath them, but suited for others.
My favorite restaurant is a tiny Italian restaurant, that isn’t too pretty to look at, but the food and service is fantastic! The restaurant staff is so hospitable, especially the owner of the restaurant. The owner’s actions have made a lasting impression on me. He is extremely involved in serving each one of his customers. He walks around the restaurant, saying hello to the people at each table. If he notices that a water glass is empty, he will grab a water pitcher and fill the glass. He will pick up empty dishes from the tables. I have never heard him scream across the restaurant at a waitress, ordering her to fill a water glass, or at a busboy, ordering him to pick up dirty plates. He is the owner, and he could order his employees to take better care of their stations, while he just walks around socializing with the customers. But instead, he is a humble servant to his customers, as well as his employees. His attitude is completely opposite of what the Lord is pointing out about the Scribes and Pharisees.
Either way, I get the impression that the scribes and Pharisees were putting themselves above other people, by accusations or by burdensome tasks. This assumption fits with the following context of what the Lord is saying about the Scribes and Pharisees.
Their motivation was to be recognized by men. Therefore, they made sure that people saw their good works. The Lord said, “all their works they do to be seen by men”, which means that they didn’t do anything unless someone was there to observe what they did. Knowing that the Lord sees everything wasn't enough to motivate them. They weren't looking to please the Lord, but rather to earn respect from people.
Verse 5 says, “They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.” These were things they did to make people think they were super-spiritual and more godly, more so than others. If you want to know in more detail what exactly it means to make phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments, please write and ask, and I will email you more details.
The scribes and Pharisees wanted people to look up to them. They wanted to be viewed as being better than the crowd. They wanted the praise of people. They liked having positions of honor. They liked being popular, having people to look up to them and treat them kindly. And they liked being addressed with a title of honor… Rabbi means -- my great one, my honorable sir. Rabbi is also a title used by the Jews to address their teachers with honor.
While reading, has this thought crossed your mind?... “Who wouldn’t want to have people think highly about you? Who wouldn’t want to have a position of honor, the best seats, and kind greetings from people? These desires don’t seem so bad. They seem normal.” I kind of thought that, but you know what? When Jesus said, “don’t be like them”, these were the issues He expounded on.
Jesus wants us to have pure motives and desires. We shouldn’t desire to be elevated by men, to a position or title of honor, above other believers. Verse 8 says that we are all brethren. A desire to be elevated, means we desire for others to be lowered. There isn’t lifting one up, without putting someone down. That’s not love’s motivation. It is like saying, “I desire to be better than you.” Is that a loving comment?
In our culture, we are taught to be better, strive for excellence, and climb to the top! So, what I am saying is sounding weird, even to me! It kind of sounds like "political correctness" gone overboard. However, in contrast, love’s motivation would say, “I want you to be better than me. I want you to go further than me, and I am going to help you to succeed.” Boy oh boy!!!… Wouldn’t the church, workplace, or even our families be so drastically different, if everyone strived for that kind of attitude and motivation?? I really believe that is what the Lord has wanted from the beginning. I believe that is what He is about to restore to His saints.
The Lord sums everything up by saying…
Matthew 23:11-12
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
So, obviously, the Lord isn’t against someone having an exalted position. He just wants us to leave that up to Him, while we pursue humility, love, and a servant’s heart. People with these attributes are the ones the Lord considers to be the greatest.
Humility - the having a humble opinion of one's self, a deep sense of one's (moral) littleness
modesty, lowliness of mind
The Apostle Paul is considered by many to be the greatest Apostle. He wrote most of the books in the New Testament. In studying the Apostle Paul’s life and ministry, you will find that he was an extremely humble servant.
I learned about Apostle Paul’s humility from John Bevere. He was a guest speaker at my church. His message was about humility. He pointed out the progression of Apostle Paul’s humility, from the things Paul said about himself at different times, in different books of the Bible.
1Corinthians 15:9
(written approximately in 56 – 57 A.D.)
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Ephesians 3:8
(written approximately in 60 - 63 A.D. – three to seven years after 1 Corinthians)
To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
1 Timothy 1:15
(written approximately in 64 – 65 A.D. – one to five years after Ephesians)
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
According to Apostle Paul’s writing, he continued to have a lower view of himself as time progressed. 1. Least of the apostles, 2. Less that the least of all saints, 3. Chief of sinners. Why did his viewpoint of himself decrease as time passed? His ministry got better and better as time progressed. Why didn’t he think more highly about himself, due to his accomplishments? Well, he is the one who said that he forgets those things that are behind as he presses forward. That probably meant his accomplishments as well as his shortcomings.
The following scripture verses in Philippians 3 are saturated with Apostle Paul's humility...
Philippians 3:4-17
4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
The Lord made the scribes and Pharisees an example of what not to be... while the Apostle Paul is an example for us to follow.
I honestly believe that Apostle Paul's humility came with the revelations he received from the Lord, because the more he discovered about the Lord, the more he realized how small he was in comparison, and utterly useless without HIM. And consequently, the more he realized how small he was, and utterly useless without HIM, the more revelations he received from God!!!
The scribes and Pharisees' motivations were to be seen, recognized, esteemed, and honored by men. Apostle Paul’s focus, motivation, and service were for the Lord.
Galatians 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
From my own experience, I have noticed that the more I try to live my life in obedience to the Lord, seeking to please Him, the more I seem to get attacked by people. Why is this? Because it is one of the enemy's tactics to get us to focus on what people think, so that our focus isn't on the Lord. As a result, we will be ruled by our fear of what people think, rather than ruled by our desire to please God.
So, let me encourage you. If you have been attacked, falsely accused, judged by people, even by Christians, as a result of being obedient to the Lord, then rejoice and leap for joy, for great is your reward in heaven!!!
Luke 6:22-23
22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
I hope you enjoy that I load these newsletters with scripture verses. I know that they can make the teachings rather lengthy when added to my commentary. However, it is revelation by the word of God that keeps us on track, sets us free, and gives us faith. I hope and pray that the Lord uses my commentary as well, but ultimately it’s the word of God that is powerful…
Hebrews 4: 12
For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Please write to me, if you need prayer or encouragement, or have any questions or comments about this teaching.
Abundant Blessings!
Tina -- Keep Running 2 Win!
Subscribe to the Nutrition 2 Win!
Newsletter
Following are some scripture verses about humility that I believe will really help drive this message home.
2 Samuel 22:28
You will save the humble people; But Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down.
Psalms 18:27
For You will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty looks.
Psalms 25:9
The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.
Psalms 147:6
The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.
Proverbs 3:34
Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.
Proverbs 16:19
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Ezekiel 21:26
thus says the Lord God: "Remove the turban, and take off the crown; Nothing shall remain the same. Exalt the humble, and humble the exalted.
Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
James 4:6
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Titus 3:2
to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
1 Peter 5:6
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,