MY THOUGHTS SURPRISE ME!

Matthew 23 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) Jesus Disapproves of the Example Set By Scribes and Pharisees 23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees teach with Moses’ authority. 3 So be careful to do everything they tell you. But don’t follow their example, because they don’t practice what they preach. 4 They make loads that are hard to carry and lay them on the shoulders of the people. However, they are not willing to lift a finger to move them. “This may be the same problem that exists today in the 21st century church and the world at large. It is particularly true in the western world and the United States. Have you noticed how we expect others (all others) to obey the law, to be independent and make a living for themselves and their families? How we expect kids to toe the line, poor people to get a job, alcoholics to get on the wagon and get a life.? We only help people we believe deserve to be helped. We criticize people for not being able to get along in this society. We may actually believe we are better than them because we have learned how to survive ( actually live quite nicely) here. Is this the burden of the “law’ Christ spoke about?” “ Brunner says this section is contradictory and controversial. What do you think? “ 5 “They do everything to attract people’s attention. They make their headbands large and the tassels on their shawls long. 6 They love the place of honor at dinners and the front seats in synagogues. 7 They love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have people call them Rabbi. 8 But don’t make others call you Rabbi, because you have only one teacher, and you are all followers. 9 And don’t call anyone on earth your father, because you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Don’t make others call you a leader, because you have only one leader, the Messiah. 11 The person who is greatest among you will be your servant. 12 Whoever honors himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be honored. "In order to be a respected member of society, what does one have to do? Do you know someone who fits the standard? What are his or her personal traits? What makes them fit this standard? I understand they are people of integrity. They are godly people. Or, are they? Do you know that? Or, do you make your judgement based on other facts and factors. Are they successful by worldly standards? Do you even check to see if they possess the qualities of Christ? Are we just acting out our destiny or are we really disciples of Christ? Are we wearing a mask most of the the time? Do we pretend to be righteous? What makes us followers of Christ? How do we turn our beliefs into action? How do we become the person God made us to be?" Be a Pharisee, send me your suggestions.