Bible Chapter: Matthew 23

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Jesus was never afraid to tell things exactly like they were.  He was not afraid to speak to those who thought they were more important than other people.  Here He challenged the Pharisees for their religious lifestyle.  They were, in reality, fakes who tried to impress people with their spiritual superiority.  He told the hearers to not do what the Pharisees did, for they didn’t practice what they preached.  They were simply actors.  My study Bible says the word for hypocrites is the word for actors in a play.  This term was used for those who were putting on an act in public that was only a pretense.  They really were spiritually blind.  They were looking for praise and position.  They were not true servants of God.
    Jesus spoke of the troubles these leaders would face because of their lifestyles and teachings.  They had rejected parts of the scriptures and replaced them with what they wanted.  We see that today in many religious circles. I like to say they are reading from the reversed vision of the Bible.  The clear teachings of the Bible have been replaced with modern thoughts.  There are those who literally say “we are smarter today than they were thousands of years ago”.  This is how church groups can change their stands and approve things the Bible calls sin.
    God will always confront sinful spiritual leaders.  He will denounce their sin.  The truth of the Word of God can never be compromised.  Sadly, this seems to happen in every generation.

2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The Bible describes Jesus as the same, yesterday, today and forever.  He never changes.  His truth never changes.  We are called to be servants, not promoting our self importance.  I need to continually seek to find what the message of the Bible is and then learn to apply it.  I need to see how Jesus spoke words of conviction to the religious leaders in this chapter and learn from that.  Verses 11 & 12 are very practical.  Matthew 23:11-12 NKJV
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.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Learn to live in humility so I can be a servant.  Don’t try to be more important than others.  This theme keeps coming up in the Bible.  It must be important.