Dangers of Self-Righteousness

MEMORY VERSE: “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” —Matthew 23:12

MATTHEW 23:13-24, 37-39

THE scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day sat “in Moses’ seat,” and Jesus instructed the multitude to obey them. (Matt. 23:1-3) However, by rejecting Jesus as their Messiah they proved unworthy to be continued in this position of trust, and Jesus was even then preparing his disciples to be, as his representatives, the light of the world.

Eight times in our lesson Jesus refers to the scribes and Pharisees as “hypocrites” and “full of hypocrisy.” Verses 4 to 7 of the chapter mention characteristics of the scribes and Pharisees which made them unworthy of God’s continued confidence and favor. They bound heavy burdens upon the people, and did nothing to help them bear those burdens. They rendered service, not to please God, but to be seen of men. They “made broad their phylacteries,” and enlarged “the borders of their garments.” They loved “the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues.” They loved to be greeted in the market place, and be called, “Rabbi, Rabbi.”

Jesus then outlined the true standard of conduct in matters of this kind. His followers were not to use titles. They were not to be called “father,” “for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” No one was to be called “master” among them, for they were all to be brethren, serving the one “Master, even Christ.” “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant,” Jesus said. And then our memory verse, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”—vss. 8-12

Jesus pronounced woe upon the scribes and Pharisees eight times, and in each instance gave a reason for his action. In a general way these “woes” contrast with the “blessings,” often referred to as the Beatitudes, as set forth in Matthew 5:3-12. These reveal the qualifications needed by those whom the Lord can use and bless in his service. They must be poor in spirit, sympathetic, meek, have a genuine desire for righteousness, be merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. Besides they must be able to endure persecution for righteousness’ sake and maintain a proper spirit toward their persecutors.

The scribes and Pharisees did not possess these qualities, but were governed by opposite and selfish principles. They lusted for power, and made a pretense of righteousness which they ceremoniously demonstrated. Instead of being willing to endure persecution for righteousness’ sake, they were the persecutors. Not being usable in God’s service, the time had come when they were to be cast off. Since the people of Israel as a whole allowed themselves to be influenced by these unholy leaders, the nation itself was cast off with them.

This is brought to our attention in verses 38,39, which read: “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

Israel as a nation had been recognized by God as exclusively his people, and in line for joint-heirship with the Messiah. (Amos 3:2) It was this unique position which the people lost through failure to accept Jesus as their promised Messiah. This was their “desolation.” Since that time, as individuals, they have had the same opportunity to enjoy God’s blessings as the remainder of the world of mankind. Peter expressed the thought in his sermon to Cornelius and his household, saying, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”—Acts 10:34,35

Nor did the Israelites of Jesus’ day lose their opportunity for salvation because they rejected the Messiah. Even in pronouncing woe upon them as a nation, Jesus explained that the time would come when they would say, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” This implies that the Israelites of Jesus’ day will be raised from the dead at the time of Christ’s second presence, and that they will have an opportunity to turn to God through him and be blessed. Paul confirms this in Romans 11:15,25-32, where we are assured that “all Israel shall he saved.”

QUESTIONS

In what sense did the scribes and Pharisees sit in “Moses’ seat”?

What did Jesus mean by the statement, “Your house is left unto you desolate”?

Will those who rejected Christ ever have an opportunity to be saved?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |