The Tuesday in the 2nd Week of Lent
March 7, 2023
Matthew 23:1-12
In this passage Jesus is speaking to the crowds and his disciples about the Pharisees. In verse 3, Jesus says, “you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” I didn’t notice until reading and re-reading this scripture that Jesus says to do everything the Pharisees are saying. That is interesting to me as Jesus starts with pointing out the good in the Pharisees before identifying where they fall short of the standard they are projecting.
Jesus continues in verse 5, “Everything they do is done for people to see”. That stings! If we are being honest with ourselves, we have all acted like the Pharisees. We have made decisions to better our standing in the eyes of the world instead of the eyes of God.
Finally, in verse 12, we are reminded, “those who humble themselves shall be exalted”. Not only does Jesus tell us what not to do, he reminds us what to do. Do not be proud. Our gifts are from God and not created by man.
During this Lenten season:
- May we remember, to first see the good in people and/or situations.
- May our actions and intentions be to glorify the Lord not this world.
- May we humble ourselves and walk in the light of God.
Allison Prillaman