Mat 23:1-12 | Family | STEP | No man was able ; the reason was, they did not rightly understand his character. If they had understood it, they could have answered. As man, he was David's son; and as God, he was his Lord.

Matthew 23:1-12

No man was able; the reason was, they did not rightly understand his character. If they had understood it, they could have answered. As man, he was David's son; and as God, he was his Lord. Sit in Moses' seat; they are the expounders and teachers of the law of Moses. Men may hold their first place as rulers and teachers in the visible church, and yet have no true religion, and they may show this by their conduct. But wicked examples, whoever may set them, should not be followed. Observe and do; so far as they teach according to the laws of God; but beyond that,

Do not ye after their works; do not imitate their example. Heavy burdens; grievous and troublesome ceremonies and observances which they required. They rigidly expounded certain parts of the divine law as binding on the people, while they themselves, secretly or openly, claimed a release from them. Phylacteries; slips of parchment worn about their persons, on which were written some divine precepts. The Pharisees made them broader than others, to intimate that they were more holy. For the same purpose they enlarged the borders or fringes which Moses had commanded them to wear on their garments. Nu 15:38. Uppermost rooms; most honorable places at the table. The Jews of our Lord's day took their meals reclining on couches, which were arranged on three sides of a central table. In assigning the guests to their "rooms," or places, strict attention was paid to rank. Compare Lu 14:7-11. Rabbi; master. Brethren; equally children of God, and fellow-heirs of Christ; no one of you having authority to control the faith and practice of the rest. Call no man your father; as having authority over your faith and practice. In matters of religion and conscience, ministers of the gospel cannot bow to mere human authority without giving to men what belongs only to God; and men who, on the ground of such authority, claim to be fathers and masters to their brethren, directing them what to believe and do, are antichrists, denying in practice the prerogatives of both the Father and the Son. Masters; as leaders and controllers of Christ's ministers and people. Servant; greatness in Christ's kingdom consists not in outward authority over others, but in the abundance of our labors and sacrifices for the welfare of our brethren. The greatest in the kingdom of Christ are those who most love him and their fellow-men, and are most ready to honor the one and do good to the other.