The Problem with just being “Religious”
Matthew 23:1,2 (Mark 12:38-44)
Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. All that they tell you, do and keep, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.”
As Holy Week progressed, Jesus continued to shame and embarrass the religious leaders. And they became angrier and more determined to dishonor Him in return. It almost seems as though Jesus had reached the limits of His tolerance as He repeatedly railed against the religious system. While Luke and Mark both quote similar condemnations, it is of note that Matthew – a Jewish disciple of Jesus himself – provides a record of Jesus longest dialogue.
He said that Pharisees:
- Burdened others without assisting in relieving the burden (23:4).
- Did deeds to be noticed by men (23:5-7).
- Loved places and titles of honor (23:6-10).
- Shut off the kingdom of heaven from men (23:13).
- Defrauded and took advantage of widows (23:14).
- Proselytized merely to replicate themselves (23:15).
- Wrangled with words and swore by details but missed the general point (23:16-22).
- Practiced detailed tithing but missed the principles of justice, mercy and faithfulness (23:23).
- Cleansed the outside and paid attention to the external, but ignored the internal (23:25-27).
- Honored the prophets but would have conspired with their murderers (23:29-31).
It is easy to condemn.
But we are not so far removed from them in Christianity today. The Pharisees were trying to follow what they believed God asked of them. They went to the Temple. They prayed. They read the Scriptures. They tithed. They were respected religious and community leaders.
“All that they tell you, do and keep, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.”
Jesus’ blunt critique of their hypocrisy exposes our own. We are known for what we’re against and less by what we are for. We embrace battles for “causes” that only touch us indirectly, while we ignore ones that directly do. We sidestep justice, mercy and faithfulness in our relationships and instead chase after prosperity, tranquility, and comfort, sometimes at others’ expense.
Are others drawn to Jesus by watching and listening to us? Do we “Magnify the Lord” (make Him easier to see, Psalm 34:3?) or do we obscure the view of others?
With these words, Jesus is also talking to us.
Holy Week is a good time for personal reflection and repentance.
Miserere Domine. Have mercy Lord.
