Matthew 23:1–12
Then
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 honour 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.”
Reflection
Jesus holds no one in contempt, even the scribes and the
Pharisees. What does
this teach me in our culture of contempt?
However, Jesus does ask us
to be humble. How do I measure my
humbleness? What does it say to me?