Our paragraph topic is: (Hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees) Part 5.
The Scribes and the Pharisees walked among the people. They talked to the people. But they considered themselves above the common people. They were learned. They had knowledge that was not available to the common man. So they portrayed themselves as better than everyone else. They expected recognition from the common man.
They liked to be seen and acknowledged in the markets and on the streets. They liked to be heard in the synagogues. They wanted first places at table. They were above everyone else. As Christ told the people: "For they widen their phylacteries, and enlarge their tassels, and love the first places at suppers and the front seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the market place, and to be called by men 'Rabbi.' "
All their works they do to be seen. This is what Christ was telling the people about the Scribes and the Pharisees. He told them all things that they command you, observe and do, but do not act according to their works. For they do everything to be seen, to bring praise to themselves, to gain recognition to their position.
And we can see examples of this behavior today. We can find many in our circle of experience who seek to be seen and heard. Humility is not a trait to practice. Pride is their moto. Recognition is their game. Persuasion and influence is the rules by which they operate for it is required for them to succeed. This is the picture that Christ wants the people and the disciples to see, to open their eyes that they might understand how not to be.
Yet it is a natural tendency for us to observe and to emulate those who seek to be seen. We want to be like them. We want to be liked. We want to be loved so that we can have the front seats, be recognized, be called by all. For we are but human and we do what we see. But Christ wants us to have another example to follow, another example to see. He wants us to know that despite what we see, as a model to follow in life, this is not the road to travel.
We are all sisters and brothers, born from the same father. All are alike in the same spirit. We are all sinners in the eyes of God, seeking forgiveness, acceptance, justification, and sanctification. Christ came that we might be transformed in the eyes of God. He came to be our example. He came to be our sacrifice. He came that we can have new life instead of death. He came because of his passion and love for all mankind.
His love is overflowing. His love is ever forgiving. His love is fulfilling. Tread not the ways of the world but the path of Christ. For he will lead you. He will guide you. He will protect you and provide for you all the days of your life. Open the door and let him in.
Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself. Do not study it in parts reading one passage and then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ . The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you. Open the door and let him in.
The Scribes and the Pharisees walked among the people. They talked to the people. But they considered themselves above the common people. They were learned. They had knowledge that was not available to the common man. So they portrayed themselves as better than everyone else. They expected recognition from the common man.
They liked to be seen and acknowledged in the markets and on the streets. They liked to be heard in the synagogues. They wanted first places at table. They were above everyone else. As Christ told the people: "For they widen their phylacteries, and enlarge their tassels, and love the first places at suppers and the front seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the market place, and to be called by men 'Rabbi.' "
All their works they do to be seen. This is what Christ was telling the people about the Scribes and the Pharisees. He told them all things that they command you, observe and do, but do not act according to their works. For they do everything to be seen, to bring praise to themselves, to gain recognition to their position.
And we can see examples of this behavior today. We can find many in our circle of experience who seek to be seen and heard. Humility is not a trait to practice. Pride is their moto. Recognition is their game. Persuasion and influence is the rules by which they operate for it is required for them to succeed. This is the picture that Christ wants the people and the disciples to see, to open their eyes that they might understand how not to be.
Yet it is a natural tendency for us to observe and to emulate those who seek to be seen. We want to be like them. We want to be liked. We want to be loved so that we can have the front seats, be recognized, be called by all. For we are but human and we do what we see. But Christ wants us to have another example to follow, another example to see. He wants us to know that despite what we see, as a model to follow in life, this is not the road to travel.
We are all sisters and brothers, born from the same father. All are alike in the same spirit. We are all sinners in the eyes of God, seeking forgiveness, acceptance, justification, and sanctification. Christ came that we might be transformed in the eyes of God. He came to be our example. He came to be our sacrifice. He came that we can have new life instead of death. He came because of his passion and love for all mankind.
His love is overflowing. His love is ever forgiving. His love is fulfilling. Tread not the ways of the world but the path of Christ. For he will lead you. He will guide you. He will protect you and provide for you all the days of your life. Open the door and let him in.
Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself. Do not study it in parts reading one passage and then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ . The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you. Open the door and let him in.
