Humble to Serve
Matthew 23:1–12
Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They 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. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
In our gospel today, Jesus continues his ongoing conflict with the religious officials. While he is very critical of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus tells the crowds and his disciples that they should do whatever the scribes and the Pharisees teach and follow it. Now we can imagine that there were more than a few people surprised if not angered by Jesus’ words. But earlier in Jesus’ ministry, he made it clear that he did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.
The caveat however comes when Jesus adds that the people are not to behave as the religious leaders. The Pharisees may have been great teachers of the law, but many did not practice what they preached. They burdened the people with adherence to laws while not following the laws themselves. The people were weighed down with senseless regulations, causing them to miss the real purpose and reason for the Law. Jesus has no patience with this hypocrisy and suggests that the religious leaders have lost their way. Their focus is not on taking care of God’s people rather it is on choosing the power, position, and privilege of this world. Jesus offers a contrast -an alternative way of living. He points to the very heart of the law that is our relationship with God and with one another. Jesus then instructs his disciples that their role is to serve the people, not to be served. Jesus says, “The greatest among you will be your servant” and “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus hoped that his disciples would have humble hearts. Hearts that recognize the need for God are able to let go of pride and ego in order to serve others. We are called to walk humbly not to seek our own glory but God’s. Jesus challenged his listeners then and us today to be servants to one another. As we continue our Lenten journey, may we remember it is with a humble heart that we become open receive God’s Word and to act upon it.
Faithfully,
Rose+
prayer
O God, you willed to redeem us from all iniquity by your Son: Deliver us when we are tempted to regard sin without abhorrence, and let the virtue of his passion come between us and our mortal enemy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Lesser Feasts & Fasts, 2006, p. 39)
Daily Lenten meditations each have a companion morning prayer video offered by the same clergy. View the YouTube playlist to find this meditation’s companion video, or to watch others.