The Distance Between Words & Action
Tough words from Jesus
There is a distance between what’s said or written and what is done. You’d think this would be obvious to us by now.
The Pharisees already have all they want to be upset with Jesus. But in this chapter, Jesus gives them plenty more in this tongue-lashing. The charges are borne out of Christ’s zeal for righteousness. He expects the right things from those who would teach his Father’s word. And you don’t have to read too much of the chapter to understand that Jesus’ expectations have not been met. And he’s pretty miffed about it.
His words are sharp and his intent is clear: Do the right thing for the right reasons.
Matthew 23:1-12
Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and his disciples, “The legal experts and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat. Therefore, you must take care to do everything they say. But don’t do what they do. For they tie together heavy packs that are impossible to carry. They put them on the shoulders of others, but are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do, they do to be noticed by others. They make extra-wide prayer bands for their arms and long tassels for their clothes. They love to sit in places of honor at banquets and in the synagogues. They love to be greeted with honor in the markets and to be addressed as ‘Rabbi.’
“But you shouldn’t be called Rabbi, because you have one teacher, and all of you are brothers and sisters. Don’t call anybody on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is heavenly. Don’t be called teacher, because Christ is your one teacher. But the one who is greatest among you will be your servant. All who lift themselves up will be brought low. But all who make themselves low will be lifted up.
Prayer1
God,
You have knit together your people in one communion and fellowship in the body of your Son Christ our Lord. Give us grace so to follow your saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, All Saints’ Day, p. 245