1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses.[a] 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.
Something odd struck me as I read these verses – and I read chapter 23 several times. I’ve always seen the Pharisees and religious leaders as the villains of the Bible. Even the verse after this passage talks about how “they crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.” But even still, catch what Jesus is telling the people, including His own disciples here in these few verses. “Practice and obey whatever they tell you.” Now to me He is telling them, “Look, these guys have a place of authority, and you need to respect them and follow their laws.” Then He tells them, “but don’t follow their example.” In other words, don’t live like they do.
Now, I am no philosophical guru. But if all scripture is given by God for teaching, correction, and training, then these verses must have some practical application for me today. There are no Pharisees as such, but there are leaders, and I think we can all agree that we don’t always agree with the decisions they make. We might not all agree about which ones we think are wise and which ones we think are not, but it is safe to say there are leaders in our lives with whom we don’t see eye to eye. Could it be that God is telling me that my role here is to be obedient to their authority and trust Him with the rest? God did not say, “Disciples go and tell the Pharisees and religious leaders they are hypocrites, and I am not happy with them.” No, He did that Himself. He was perfectly aware of the situation when He told the people “do what they say” just as I know He is perfectly aware of the situations today that leave me feeling burdened and afraid. Now, it is important to note here that He cautioned them not to follow the leaders’ example and live like they were living. I’m thinking, therefore, that as a child of God, I have a responsibility to be obedient to the laws and respect the lawmakers – even if I don’t agree with them. But that does not mean that I have to admire the way they live or practice their lifestyle. Besides, what kind of Christian example am I setting if I break the laws of my country and display a poor attitude toward those in authority over me?
Lord, you are going to have to help me with this one. There are so many people in places of authority today that I simply find it hard to respect on my own. Help me see them through your eyes knowing that you love them just as you love me. I pray for each one of them right now. Lord, work in their lives that they may have profound wisdom and discernment that can only come from you. Give them a boldness to stand up for what is true and right and a clear vision of what that truly is. Protect their bodies, minds, and souls from Satan’s grasp. Put a hedge around them that evil, confusion, and lies cannot penetrate. Unite us as a country wholly devoted to You, our Rock and Redeemer.
Amen and Amen
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