Tuesday 14 March
Matthew 23:1-12
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11The greatest among you will be your servant.12All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Jesus is describing the hypocrisy of the self-righteous. The man who knows himself, and knows he is a sinner, is penitent before God.
As we pray today, let us humble ourselves, kneel before our God and ask for forgiveness and a desire to serve, that we may be His servants in the earthly kingdom of God.