Be Genuine, Show Grace, Be Humble. Further Instructions on Genuine Discipleship. Matthew 23:1 12. Matthew 23:1 36

Transcription

1 FOCAL TEXT Matthew 23:1 12 BACKGROUND Matthew 23:1 36 MAIN IDEA Disciples of Jesus are to practice their faith with genuineness, grace, and humility. QUESTION TO EXPLORE Why do religious people sometimes become hypocritical, harsh, and arrogant lacking in true discipleship? Lesson T welve Be Genuine, Show Grace, Be Humble TEACHING AIM To lead the class to identify ways they need to put these teachings of Jesus into practice in their lives and in the life of their church UNIT THREE Further Instructions on Genuine Discipleship 135

2 136 Unit Three: Further Instructions on Genuine Discipleship BIBLE COMMENTS Understanding the Context The word gospel means good news. The word describes both a particular content and a genre, or type, of literature. As a type of literature, the New Testament Gospels uniquely presented the life and teaching of Jesus to various Christian communities of that day. While the good news story is remarkably uniform across the four canonical Gospels, each Gospel emphasizes distinctive elements designed to speak the gospel effectively to their own communities. Matthew s community was likely made up of Jews who believed Jesus to be the Messiah God s Son, crucified and resurrected. This community of believing Jews had begun to feel separated and marginalized from the broader Jewish community that did not believe the Christian claims about Jesus. In this context, the chief rivals and tormentors of Matthew s church would have been the Pharisees and the scribes who held to strict observance of the Torah. While the Gospel of Matthew consistently demonstrates the superior faithfulness of the church to its Jewish rivals, readers of the Gospel must remember that Matthew s community was also an essentially Jewish community. Matthew s account of Jesus harsh words and teaching about hypocritical and legalistic Jews were a critique from within Judaism Jews criticizing or correcting other Jews. These texts hold no warrant for anti-semitic attitudes today. The principle Matthew emphasizes requires the reader to embrace Jesus teaching about the nature of false piety, whether that false piety be Christian or Jewish. The essential contrast is not between Jews and Christians. Rather, it is between religious folk who are genuine, graceful, and humble and those who are fake, judgmental, and arrogant. Matthew s good news draws sharp contrasts between those who desire outward recognition and those who desire to follow the example of Jesus as radical disciples. A number of key events occurred between 16:26 and 22:46. The transfiguration (Matthew 17:1 8); additional passion predictions (Matt. 17:22 23; 20:17 19); Jesus instruction about the nature of the church and church discipline (Matt. 18); Jesus turn towards Jerusalem (19:1); and additional questions, parables, and healings. The immediate context

3 Lesson 12: Be Genuine, Show Grace, Be Humble 137 of the focal passage in Matthew 23 includes Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem (21:1 11); his condemning of the temple (21:12 17); the cursing of the fig tree (21:18 22); and a series of question-and-answer sessions in and around the temple (21:23 22:46). Interpreting the Scriptures The focal passage presents Jesus drawing sharp contrasts between religious people who act hypocritically or legalistically and those who understand that following Jesus requires genuine, graceful, humility. The focal passage ushers in a series of harsh woes Jesus called down on religious legalists and hypocrites (23:13 39). Genuine Discipleship Avoids the Errors of Hypocrisy and Legalism (23:1 7) 23:1 4. Twenty-first century Christians often understand Pharisees as the proverbial religious hypocrites. The Pharisees concern for personal holiness often led to a misplaced emphasis on the letter of the law rather than its true spirit. While there are notable examples of faithful Pharisees in the Gospels (for example, Nicodemus in John 3:1; 19:3), Matthew reveals a negative view of the religious perspective that places more emphasis on outward appearances. Among the several Jewish factions that existed in the first century, the Pharisees can be considered in some ways the more progressive group. They held more liberal views than did the more conservative Sadducees. The Pharisees believed in radical new ideas like the existence of angels and the resurrection of the dead. They also had a much broader view of Scripture, which would have included the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. The more conservative Sadducees held that only the five books of Torah were Scripture, and they did not believe in radical concepts like resurrection. Jesus description of the scribes and the Pharisees as those who sit on Moses seat (Matt. 23:2) conforms to the understanding of the Pharisees as those who saw Moses as the authoritative teacher of the law, which could be properly interpreted only by those in their own group. In Matthew s day and in his community, these scribes and Pharisees may

4 138 Unit Three: Further Instructions on Genuine Discipleship have been the believing Jews (the church s) chief rivals and tormentors. The reader easily can imagine a divided synagogue in the years following the destruction of the temple in a.d. 70, where a minority of Jews believed Jesus to be the Messiah while the majority did not. Matthew recalled the words of Jesus that offered comfort and instruction to this increasingly marginalized Christian community. The important distinction between Pharisees and scribes highlights their respective roles. A scribe held a professional role and spent time copying, memorizing, and clarifying the law. Pharisees were individuals from all occupations who held to certain beliefs. While most scribes were likely to be Pharisees also, being a Pharisee was not a requirement to be a scribe. Matthew shows the scribes and the Pharisees as being in conflict with Jesus. Previously, this same combination had come together to question and test Jesus (15:1 6). On occasion, the Sadducees had joined with the Pharisees in a united attack on Jesus (see 16:5 12). This rather startling alliance would seem as unlikely as twenty-first century liberals and conservatives agreeing on a course of action. Jesus words of warning in 23:3 4 about the scribes and the Pharisees present two types of religious error. Jesus acknowledged that people should obey their teaching, but he condemned their ignoring the requirements of the law for themselves while laying heavy burdens on others. This two-faced religious behavior fits the stereotypical understanding of Pharisees as hypocrites. 23:5 7. The second type of religious error lay in fulfilling the requirements of the law but for the wrong reason. These legalists were motivated to faithful, rigorous observance of the law by the prospect of recognition and praise from others. Jesus critique of this type of piety parallels what he said in the Sermon on the Mount about those who practice their piety before others in order to be seen by them (6:1). Jesus observation about broad phylacteries refers to the Jewish practice of wearing small boxes on the arm or forehead that contained strips of parchment with Scriptures written on them (Deuteronomy 6:4 9; 11:15 20). Long fringes reflect the practice of wearing blue twisted threads on the corners of garments as a reminder to obey God s commands (Numbers 15:38 40; Deut. 22:12). Jesus himself wore fringes on his cloak (Matt. 14:36), but he criticized those whose demonstrations of faithfulness merely provided the occasion for human praise.

5 Lesson 12: Be Genuine, Show Grace, Be Humble 139 These keen observers of religious ritual loved to receive the best seating at banquets (23:6), and they craved honored greetings in the marketplace, cherishing the title rabbi (23:7). Unlike the hypocrites described in 23:2 4, these people did not ignore the law, but rather they complied with it all in order to receive recognition, praise, and privilege. Because of this, they were not genuine, they were not graceful, and they were not humble. They exhibited the exact opposite of Jesus character. In 11:28 30, Jesus described himself as one who gently and humbly offered rest to those who carried heavy burdens, promising in exchange an easy yoke and a light burden. The contrast and the principle could not be clearer. Radical discipleship requires embracing Jesus genuine, humble, gracious spirit. False piety concerns itself with human recognition, and those who merely seek the approval of human eyes have received their reward (6:2). Genuine Discipleship Embraces Gracious, Humble Unity in the Church (23:8 12) After pointing out the errors of his opponents, Jesus instructed his followers. Jesus words point to the egalitarian, classless nature of the church for which Matthew s Gospel was intended. While there may be individuals who exercise authority in the church as teachers, leaders, and instructors, God delegates that authority, and God remains the final authority. 1 Jesus warned those who desire titles of leadership. 23:8 10. Disciples of Jesus ought not be called rabbi because God is the only Teacher. Jesus here echoed the voice of the prophet Jeremiah: No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, Know the Lord, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more (Jeremiah 31:34). In the redeemed and reconciled Christian community, instruction comes from God alone, and all stand equal before God from the least to the greatest. There is no room for petty distinctions in the church (see Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:26 29). In verse 8, the nrsv renders the Greek word adelphoí as students, but the word is generally translated with the more familial term brothers. Students may exhibit competitiveness, arrogance, and pride. At their best, family members understand their relationship to one another as a

6 140 Unit Three: Further Instructions on Genuine Discipleship source of strength and encouragement. The family comparison carries through to verse 9, where Jesus encouraged his disciples to recognize the true head of the believing community: you have one Father the one in heaven. In verse 10, the use of the word instructors accurately conveys the distinct word used here from the word translated teacher in verse 8. We need not press the prohibition too hard, for all types of teachers and instructors exist. The principle involves recognition of where honor truly belongs God. The rejection of honorific titles suggests that the Christian community should exercise caution when recognizing service and achievement within the church. Those who flatter falsely by heaping up accolades run the risk of inspiring arrogance and resentment in the community of believers. Those who accept these praises, even humbly, open the door to harmful pride. 23: In the Christian community, greatness comes through service, and exaltation comes through humility. As in the first century, twentyfirst century society celebrates the exact opposite attitude. Greatness often comes on the backs of others, and many understand service as a demeaning or undesirable exercise. The church is not immune from these attitudes. In verse 11, the word servant approximates the Greek word diákonos, more commonly translated deacon. Those who serve the people of God s community do well to focus on the function of service rather than on titles of honor. Focusing on the Meaning In the late first century, the culture and community of religious experts assaulted Matthew s church. These religious folk hypocritically imposed harsh requirements while at the same time ignoring the weightier matters of the law. Others focused exclusively on outward signs of piety and sought human recognition for their religious acts. It sounds all too familiar. When church members become interested in regulating the behavior of others while at the same time hypocritically ignoring Jesus requirement that they be genuine, gracious, and humble, they are in danger of becoming like the scribes and Pharisees Jesus condemned. When we

7 Lesson 12: Be Genuine, Show Grace, Be Humble 141 occupy ourselves with the outward trappings of religion and piety in order to gain recognition and privilege, we forget that our unity is in Christ, who reminds us that we have one Teacher, one Father, and one Instructor. As radical disciples, we achieve our highest devotion and our greatest recognition when we genuinely, graciously, and humbly serve others. Radical disciples need not settle for hypocritical, legalistic expressions of piety. Rather we are called to genuine, gracious, humble service. TEACHING PLANS Teaching Plan Varied Learning Activities Connect with Life Before class, collect several newspapers. Divide the class members into teams, and give each team a newspaper, a sheet of paper, scissors, and a glue stick. Instruct the teams to cut out words or phrases from the newspaper and glue them together on the sheet of paper to write their own brief newspaper article. The news article is to be a positive story about one person doing something to help other people. Ask each team to read its article. State that in this lesson we will discuss the importance of living out our faith in genuine ways with grace and humility. Call for volunteers to share a recent experience they witnessed of a follower of Christ demonstrating genuine grace and humility to themselves or to another person. Guide Bible Study 3. Enlist someone to ready Matthew 23:1 4. Divide the class into two teams of six or fewer people each. (Form more teams if the class is large.) Give each team a sheet of paper and a concordance. Instruct

8 142 Unit Three: Further Instructions on Genuine Discipleship one team to write a job description for a Pharisee based on this passage of Scripture plus other mentions of Pharisees in the New Testament of which they are aware. The other team is to write a job description for a disciple of Jesus based on the reverse of this passage of Scripture plus other Scriptures of which they are aware. Include a list of duties and character traits for each job description. (A copy of these instructions is available in Teaching Resource Items for this study at After about five minutes, call for reports. Compare and contrast the two job descriptions. Point out that not all Pharisees were evil. For example, Nicodemus wanted to do the right thing. Also note that the disciples were not perfect. Ask, Why is it important for leaders to practice what they preach? Draw a picture of a plowing yoke on the markerboard, or find a drawing or photograph of one. Explain how it was used (google yoke ). Read Matthew 11:28 30, and ask the group to contrast those verses to Matthew 23:4. Lead the class in discussing ways Jesus yoke is easy and his burden is light. Write the answers on the yoke. Invite someone to read Matthew 23:5 7. Explain phylacteries and fringes using information in the Study Guide and in Bible Comments in this Teaching Guide. Consult a Bible dictionary or google phylacteries for possible illustrations. Invite suggestions about possibilities for modern equivalents of the self-serving actions of 23:5 7. Have someone read Matthew 23:8 10. Use the material from the Study Guide and Bible Comments in this Teaching Guide to explain the behavior in these verses and why Jesus did not want his disciples to be called by those titles. Encourage Application 7. Lead the class to list other famous people besides Jesus who are known or remembered for being humble and selfless in how they live, making a difference without focusing on self-promotion and ego.

9 Lesson 12: Be Genuine, Show Grace, Be Humble Write the following statements on the markerboard: Acting Like a Pharisee ; Acting Like a Disciple of Jesus. Give class members each a sheet of paper and a pen, and ask them to write the statements on the board at the top of their paper, making two columns. Instruct the class to write recent examples of both statements on their paper. Lead them to reflect on the two columns by asking these questions of themselves: Which column has more answers? Which actions or thoughts are easier to commit? Which column reflects the real you? How did the answers you listed affect other people? Why is it easy for a follower of Christ to act like a Pharisee? (A copy of this activity is available as a hand-out in Teaching Resource Items for this study at Close the lesson in prayer and ask God to help the class be more like a disciple and less like a Pharisee. Teaching Plan Lecture and Questions Connect with Life 1. Share the story of Ryan from the introductory paragraphs of this lesson in the Study Guide. Discuss how the little girl might confuse Ryan with Jesus. Ask for examples from members of how people played Jesus in their lives. Lead into the lesson by pointing out that a true disciple must portray the characteristics of Jesus. Guide Bible Study 2. Enlist a volunteer to read Matthew 23:1 4. Write the word PHARISEE vertically on the left side of a markerboard (be aware of step 7). Use the title as an acrostic to lead the class in listing words that describe a Pharisee. Leave it on the board for the entire session. Point out that not all Pharisees were evil; use some positive words in the acrostic. Discuss ways religion can be used to oppress people today.

10 144 Unit Three: Further Instructions on Genuine Discipleship 3. Invite someone to read Matthew 23:5 7. Ask, What are some ways religious leaders promote themselves today? Use the information in the Study Guide to explain briefly how banquets were conducted and arranged during Jesus day. State that Pharisees sought and assumed places of honor without being invited to do so. 4. Have someone read Matthew 23:8 10. Use information in the Study Guide and in Interpreting the Scriptures in this Teaching Guide to explain why Jesus did not want his disciples to assume certain titles. Ask, What would cause a Christian to act in an arrogant or hypocritical manner? 5. Ask the previous readers to read their assigned verses again. Instruct members to underline in their Bibles or Study Guides the accusations Jesus made against the Pharisees. 6. Read Matthew 23: Ask, What advice would you give a Christian on how to stay humble? Lead the class in designing a Code of Humility. Write the list on poster board, and display it in the room for the next several weeks. Encourage Application 7. Write the word DISCIPLE vertically on the right side of the markerboard opposite the acrostic PHARISEE. Lead the class in discovering words that describe a disciple and complete the acrostic. Compare and contrast the two lists. Ask participants to reflect on their lives and decide with which acrostic they line up most. 8. Close in prayer, asking God to help each person be more genuine, gracious, and humble. Say something encouraging to participants individually as they leave the room. N O T E S R. T. France, 1. Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher (Grand Rapids: Academie Books, Zondervan Publishing House, 1989), 257.