Wow.
I am at something of a loss on this one. It is certainly a stern warning.
The one thing that did stick out to me (beside all the woes) is where Jesus says, "But you are not to be calledc Rabbi, for you have only one Master and you are all brothers." (verse 8) It reminded me of some pastors I know who demand respect and title, and feel like they have a higher office/gift than others. I've actually been told not to be friends with people in the churches I serve, as I am in authority over them and should maintain some sort of separation (I guess I am to be revered?). I have always maintained that a pastor is another spiritual gift and not a reason to be given a higher honor, so I have a lot of friends in my congregations (to the dismay of some colleagues). I think Jesus is backing me up here, which is awesome, because I never had a scripture to support my position until now. (how did I miss it?)
Anyway, if I didn't get that my actions carry more weight than my words before this, I sure do get it now!
Rob...Glad that Jesus has your back on this one too! "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
ReplyDeleteThis ones easy...a sin to avoid = hypocrisy.
With all their focus on rules and laws the Pharisees lost sight of the compassion and love that should have been the guide to their actions. It makes you wonder how they could have all strayed so far from what God intended. While we don't have any ruling Pharisees anymore, this passage reminds of some of the churches that exist today, that are ruled by laws and strict interpretation of Bible verses taken out of context. They are so caught up with the "Thou shalt nots" that they lost sight of the 2nd greatest commandment: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself". When reading this I couldn't help but think of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas that protests at military funerals with some of the most hurtful and vile posters I've ever seen. What happened to Jesus' request to focus on Justice, Mercy and Faithfulness? Where is God's love in that church?
The Pharisees back then and some churches right now are a reminder/warning as to where we can end up when we lose sight of the greatest 2 commandments:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
and second...
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."