Scripture

“You are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the  more important aspects of the law –  justice, mercy, and faith.”

Observation

Jesus launches into a condemnation of the religious teachers and the Pharisees. He warns them of God’s judgement for their sins.

Jesus accuses the Pharisees and teachers of shutting the door of God’s Kingdom in the faces of people. They themselves won’t go in, but they make it hard for others to go in as well. 

The teachers and Pharisees cross the land and sea to make a convert, and then they make that person twice the child of hell that they are. They corrupt the intention of the Law by teaching that a vow made “ by the altar” is not binding,, but a vow  made “ by the gifts on the altar”  is. 

Pharisees are diligent to tithe from the herbs in the garden, but they neglect the more important aspects of the law –  justice, mercy, and faith.

Application

God is not impressed by our virtuous tithing, if our hearts are not surrendered to him .

The problem with the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, and many Christians today, is that they see pleasing God as a matter of keeping rules scrupulously. They dot their i’s and cross their t’s only to discover that God is not reading their book.

Tithing is important. More important, though, is to love God with all of our heart, strength, soul, and mind.

Living righteously is important. More important, however, is that we love our neighbour as we love ourselves.

Prayer

Father, I confess that I sometimes feel morally superior to others because I don’t sin the way they do. Please help me to surrender myself completely to you and to seek your face in everything I do. Amen

 Scripture

“Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Observation

The teachers and Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses, Jesus says, so follow their teaching. But do not follow their example, because they don’t practise what they teach. They are proud and do things for show and to be honoured by the other people. We should not call people” Rabbi”  or “ Father” or “teacher”.

The greatest among us must be a servant. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Application

The kingdom of God Is upside down by most human standards. We should avoid revelling in titles, and to lead we have to be a servant.

When we try to push ourselves forward, or to call attention to our selves, it is almost certain we will be pulled down. The self-promoters fool very few people.

What inspires people is when they find a leader who is humble. It Is often called being genuine. In other words we  want leaders who show us that they are human and not just a projection of what they think we want to see.

Last weekend, world tennis number 1, Ash Barty, won Wimbledon for the first time. I’m not a tennis fan, but I have always been struck by the simple humility of this very talented athlete. She always takes time to thank her team for their support, something that you don’t hear often in individual sports people.

Jesus was always down to earth in his teaching and in his interactions with people. He did not make big statements such as “ I am the Messiah, worship me.”  He taught, He healed, He performed miracles, and He let people come to their own conclusion.

 If it’s good enough for the Son of God to  act that way, it’s good enough for me.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to remember that any success that I have comes as a gift from you. When I am tempted to be proud, let me humble myself. Amen.