Matthew 23:1-12
Mark 12:38-40
Luke 20:45-47
Whom did your parents tell you to avoid?
Jesus Condemns
the Scribes and Pharisees
Matthew 23:1–36; Mark 12:38–40; Luke
20:45–47
Mt 23:1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His
disciples: Lk 20:46“Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in
long robes, and who love greetings in the marketplaces, the front seats in the
synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. Mt 23:2–3The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses†.
3Therefore do and observe whatever they tell you. But don’t do what
they do, because they don’t do what they say.
4“They tie up heavy loads that
are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves
aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them. 5They do everything to
be observed by others: They enlarge their phylacteries
and lengthen their tassels†.
6They love the place of honor at banquets, the front seats in the
synagogues, 7greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi’
by people. 8But as for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi,’ because you
have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
One Father and One
Master
9“Do not
call anyone on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is in
heaven. 10And do not be called masters either, because you have one
Master, the Messiah. 11The greatest among you will be your servant. 12Whoever
exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.[1]
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- What undermines the authority of the religious leaders in Luke 20:45-47?
- What issue lies behind Jesus' question in Mark 12:35-37)? How will the answer to this question answer all the others directed at Jesus during this time?
- How would you describe the lifestyle (or path to greatness) of these teachers of the Law? By contrast, what should the attitude of a Christian leader look like (see Mark 10:42-45)?
- What do these two views of greatness teach us about the two views of the kingdom?
- What is Jesus' point in contrasting their situation with that of the poor widow?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- How do people use religion to make themselves look good? How have you been tempted to do so?
- When have you "used" religion to get something for yourself (attention, respect, good feelings) rather than for love of God? What helps get you back on track?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
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