Putting On A Show

There is an old saying that “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  The problem is that the more powerful a person becomes, the easier it is to abuse that power, and the more difficult it is for others to hold him accountable.  This is true whether we are talking about political leaders, business leaders, religious leaders, or even a family leader.  At some point, they may conclude it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, because everyone must do what they say.  The scribes and Pharisees had obtained that kind of power in Matthew 23:1-4. 

“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.  For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”

The scribes and Pharisees had assumed the mantle of Moses and the Old Testament prophets, teaching what God said.  Unfortunately, they had begun to abuse their position, setting standards for others to meet while excluding themselves from those requirements.    In a very real sense, they were usurping God’s authority, setting different standards for themselves than for other people.   Their whole focus was on maintaining their prestige and power, as Matthew 23:5-7 tells us.   “But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.” 

The phylactery was a head band or wrist band designed for holding a passage of scripture where one could easily review it to help in memorizing it.   Under the law, Jewish garments were to have a blue ribbon and a fringe around the hem to remind them they were God’s people, according to Numbers 15:38-39.   The scribes and Pharisees had gotten in the habit of exaggerating the size of their phylacteries and borders to make people think they were extremely spiritual.  In modern religious circles, they would insist wearing special clothing to call attention to their religious practices and carrying a huge Bible or other religious symbol.  They made a big point of being called Rabbi so everyone would know how important they were.    

Jesus was very specific that Christians are not to focus on such things.  In Matthew 23:8-12, he commanded us not to use such titles.  “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.  And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.  Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.  But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.  And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” 

In modern English, the term Rabbi is the equivalent of calling someone Reverend or Pastor.   Such terms imply one is greater or more important than another, and Jesus said we are all equals before God.  Traditionally, the Catholic priests have been called Father, but Jesus is quite clear that title belongs only to God.  The title Master was the equivalent of Doctor in modern society, in the sense of him being a teacher.  Jesus Christ is the ultimate teacher, and the only one entitled to use it.  When we begin to use such titles, we are usurping some of God’s authority.  While it may not be big issue in itself, it reveals an underlying problem.    We need to be more concerned with pleasing God than with how others see us.   Instead of dressing and acting like a Christian, we need to just be one.