Reading: Matthew 23:1-7
Matthew 23:5a – “Everything they do is for show.”
Today and tomorrow Jesus teaches about leadership. While his focus is the religious world, his teaching applies to all kinds of leadership: parenting, coaching, banking, engineering… Jesus begins by recognizing the religious leaders’ and Pharisees’ area of expertise. They are the “official interpreters of the Law.” They have studied long and hard to hold those positions. They are good at this, Jesus says, so he instructs the crowd and his disciples to “practice and obey whatever they tell you.” Yes, love God, honor your mother and father, practice the Sabbath ways…
But. But there is a problem. Jesus continues, saying, “But don’t follow their example.” The religious leaders do not walk the walk. Yes, they do talk the talk. They pile on and pile on religious demands – laws made by man, not by God through Moses. But they do not help the people to meet these “unbearable” demands. At the start of verse 5, we read this summary indictment: “Everything they do is for show.” They tell others to love God, but they love themselves.
In the rest of verse 5 through verse 7, Jesus offers examples. They put little fish stickers on their cars then wave angry fists at those who cut them off in traffic. They gossip at the cafeteria tables as they wear their Jesus t-shirts and crosses. They “encourage” Sunday worship but neglect their own personal daily quiet time. They speak of humble service but are always first in line. Yes, in many ways we can talk the talk while failing to walk the walk.
We are always leading. We might not be up front with the microphone, but we are always setting an example, always communicating a message. Religion can have many “rules.” Faith leads with love. If we love God and all of our neighbors really well, if this is our consistent messaging, then everything we do will be for God’s glory. My friends, may it be so.
Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to be witnesses to our faith, make us genuine, humble, honest, transparent. Help us to strive to love you with all that we are. Then, God, pour this love out into others. Thank you. Amen.
