Matthew 23:1-12, 23-28 ESV
[1] Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, [2] “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, [3] so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. [4] They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. [5] They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, [6] and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [7] and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. [8] But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. [9] And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. [10] Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. [11] The greatest among you shall be your servant. [12] Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
[23] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. [24] You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! [25] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. [26] You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. [27] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. [28] So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.23.1-28.ESV
We have known from Sunday school days that the Pharisees were the villains of this story. They opposed Jesus. We would consider them to be the farthest from ourselves. The opposite of the Christian. But think about this: they fasted once a week. We struggle to fast during Lent. They tithed not just their paychecks, but they also tithed their herbs. They knew the word of God inside and out. Not only did they respect the law of God, but they made additional laws to help them follow the law of God.
This should make us tremble that such adherence to religious practice can make us the enemy of Jesus. Following the laws of God had an ulterior motive. It was a way to gain political power and status. Following the practices of religion without self examination will end in self righteousness. This is the results of a selfish heart given religious tools. We are more like the Pharisees than we think.
The Pharisees kept all the minor laws in order to promote their own righteousness. Their outside is pristine but the inside is a tomb. The sex worker and the tax collector has an advantage in this. How so? Their sin is obvious. We cannot repent of what we consider to be a virtue. Self deception is slow and progressive. The longer we are a Christian, the more likely we will resemble the Pharisees.
The Pharisees pushed for self effort. Better and closer adherence to the law is the way to salvation. Works righteousness is completely contrary to the gift of grace. The call is to cast aside our righteousness and accept the gift of grace by the life and death of Jesus. We are not called to more effort, but a new identity. We are accepted as children of God because of Jesus.
God does not keep a ledger of our good works. God doesn't owe us. But the Pharisees did. Good works will be rewarded. They perform for their own status. They take a genuinely good thing and twist them to promote themselves.
Questions to help guide us back onto the path:
Do you find it harder to confess current sins rather than old ones?
Do we impose rules on others than we ourselves do not fully meet?
Do we still feel our need for grace just as much as when we first became a Christian?
Do we come to God as a child coming home or an employee reporting to their boss?
Do we put burdens on others rather than giving grace?
Do we feel upset when we are not recognized for the work that we have done?
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