Scripture:
Matthew 23:1-12 NKJV
[1] Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, [2] saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. [3] Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. [4] For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. [5] But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. [6] They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, [7] greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ [8] But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. [9] Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. [10] And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. [11] But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. [12] And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Observation:
I know that there is a lot of scripture this morning, and I won’t have time to break it all down. So you can breathe a little bit. I just want to give a good low-level flyover. In this time frame, the Jewish leaders had somewhat of a monopoly on religious positions. They saw how people looked up to them, how they would sit in large crowds and hang on every word they spoke, and it had gotten to their heads. They started craving titles and positions such as rabbi and so on. Knowing the influence they had, they would pile up heavy burdens on those who looked up to them. Burdens that they were unwilling to carry themselves. They wanted to be recognized as someone important and used the influence they had to their benefit. Greeting them in the marketplace and the center of town meant that they had arrived. The best seat at the table had their name on it, and if it didn’t, they were offended. Then along comes Jesus the very SON of GOD. The one who has a right to be called a teacher but came as a servant instead. HE never pushed for a position. GOD just placed HIM in the spot that HE had. In fact, if we look at the bible, we can see that during a Jewish festival, HIS brothers wanted HIM to go and proclaim HIS position, and HE said no. They wanted HIM to go to the festival in public, but instead, HE went in private. Being seen as an influential person was not the point of what HE was here for. HE knew exactly who HE was and the purpose HIS life would serve and was comfortable with GOD putting HIM where HE needed to be when HE needed to be there. The position was not the point. Jesus, the eternal GOD was never loud pushy, or power-mad but gentle and humble coming in the form of a servant. It was never about a position for HIM. Because HE knew who HE was. In the scripture that was chosen this morning, you can see the dangers of seeking a title or a position or being a person of influence. Pride and prestige can become your focus. You can start seeking to be recognized for the position you have rather than the godly character you present.
Application:
I remember when all this started 14 years ago. I knew GOD had a calling on my life, and I wanted that to be seen. So, I pushed my way to a position I was not ready for. A position the character inside me did not have the humility to support. I started to think, man, would you look at what I’m doing? It’s only been 3 years, and I’m preaching and teaching the word. You see the problem there. I didn’t at the time. Because I was blinded by pride.1st Timothy chapter 3 verse 6 warns against this. May point to all this is our stand has to be one of humility. We can not stand as someone who is seeking a position. When we know who we are in Christ, we don’t have to have a title. We can just serve, and that’s good enough. Having a servant’s heart is the key to all of it. Pride and position only lead to destruction. Just look at the men who battle over a position to lead our country. The mud-slinging corruption that follows that. If they would just realize that they are nothing but a servant, all this would run much smoother. The example that Jesus gave us by washing the feet of those whom HE was leading was a beautiful picture of how our heart’s position should be. Seeking to serve rather than to be served. Seeking to love rather than to be loved. When our hearts are in line with the Father’s heart, we realize that this life is not about us or what we can do. It’s all about HIM and what HE has already done. The influence we have should not be what we seek. Let me tell you my heart. I want to be used by GOD. I want to serve my community and show them the love of Jesus. That can never be about me. HE is the one who did all the work. I’m not looking for a position or even someone to know my name. There is only one name I want anyone to know, and that’s the name of Jesus. That’s why I get up early. That’s why I dive into the scripture every morning. That’s why I show you where the Holy Spirit leads me every morning. Is so that at the name of Jesus, you will bend your knee and bow your head my life is not about me or any kind of influence or position that I have. This whole thing is about HIM. I am not a teacher. I am not looking to be called Pastor. I’m not a preacher or anything else. I’m just a man who fell in love with the one who saved my life. That makes me a bondservant of the most HIGH GOD.
Prayer:
Father, we love you, and we pray that our pride never gets in the way of what you are doing. Help us to always remain right sized. We never want to get too big to serve. We never want to be working towards some kind of title. We know that Pride is very dangerous and deceptive. It will tell us that we are not proud. That we deserve the position we are in. But if we honestly look at who we are, all we really deserve is 3 nails and 2 pieces of wood. You took our place on the cross. Giving us an example of how to live our lives… in sacrifice to others. We want to always be humble, never elevating ourselves to be something that we are not. Without what you have done, we honestly have no hope. You said it is finished. As you hung on the cross. In all our righteousness, we are but filthy rags. Teach us how to remain right sized. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.