Humble Yourselves
Matthew 23:1-12
What’s been going on before today’s passage?
What would people have thought of Pharisees or “Teachers of the Law” in Jesus’ day?
What does it mean, “they sit in Moses’ seat”?
Jesus vs. the Pharisees
“You must be careful to do everything they tell you.” —Matthew 23:2
.. but elsewhere Jesus has said…
- Matthew 12:1-14 on the Sabbath
- Matthew 15:1-6 on tradition vs. God’s way
- Matthew 16:6-12 on their teaching as a whole
- Matthew 19:3-9 on marriage and divorce
So what does Jesus mean?
What’s their problem?
“They do not
Compare Matthew 23:4 to Matthew 11:28-30 and think:
How does their teaching compare to Jesus’ teaching?
“
When have you done something just for others to see?
What’s our problem?
Jesus turns to instructing his own followers.
He lists three things them they are not to be called - or to call one another:
How do we know Jesus doesn’t mean there should be no authority structure in his church, no special roles in his church?
- Matthew 10:1,5-8, 18-19 - Peter’s unique role
- Acts 1:23-26, 2:42 - The apostles’ unique role
- Acts 6:3-4 - More chosen leaders
- Romans 12:3-8 // 1 Cor 12:28-29 // Ephesians 4:11-12 - Different gifts in the church
- 1 Peter 5:5, Titus 1:5 - Authority within the church
So what is the common feature across these three titles? Why must we avoid them?
Leaders must focus on
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” —Matthew 23:11-12
Jesus is the model: Philippians 2:6-11
What does humility look like?
How would you tell someone to act if they asked how to be humble? What would you tell them to say?
How well does this match up with Jesus, the only perfectly humble human?
Humility is being
Where is this hard for you just now?
Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. —Tim Keller
Is it easier for you to think less of yourself, or think of yourself less? Why, do you think?