The Pharisaical Religion

Matthew 23:1–12
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

“Religion is a social penicillin, which is lethal against a wide array of behavioral patterns.” This statement is the result of a study of black inner-city youth by Harvard University’s Richard Freeman: Boys who regularly attend church are 50% less likely to commi … More

Religion

This was our Lord’s last public message which was directed especially to the Pharisees. It is said that there were about 6,000 Pharisees in that day and most of them were middle class businessmen. The name Pharisee came from a word that means “to separate” and the Pharisees separated themselves from the Gentiles whom they considered to be unclean.

Jesus points out three basic flaws in the Pharisaical religion:

1.They had a false concept of righteousness (v. 1-3). To the Pharisee righteousness was an outward conformity to the Law of God and they completely ignored the inward condition of the heart.
2.They had a false concept of ministry (v. 4). To them, ministry meant handing down laws to the people and adding to their burdens. Legalistic religion always seeks to make burdens heavier while Jesus came to lighten men’s burdens (Matt.11:28-30).
3.They had a false concept of greatness (vv. 5-12). To them, they were more concerned about the recognition of men than they were about the approval to God. They thought that position was a mark of greatness, so they sought the best seats in the synagogue. We should always be learning but some people today seek recognition by having a position or title through educational degrees. Doing is more important than knowing. True greatness is found in serving others, not in forcing others to serve us (John 3:30).

Application

Which of the three items listed above are my weakest area? After reading this passage I desire more than anything to never be a part of this Pharisaical religion.

Matthew 23:1-12 (English Standard Version)

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