preach AND practice

reposted from March 3, 2008


Matthew 23:1-12


"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
(Matthew 23:12)

This is the beginning of Jesus' final discourse in Matthew, which will go from chapters 23 - 25. Jesus first discourse is three chapters long, to his disciples and the crowds, and begins with "Blessed are..." Jesus' last discourse is three chapters long, to his disciples and the crowds, and basically begins with "Woe to you..." addressed to his religious opponents.

The preface here, before the "woes," is a comment on the conduct (not the teaching) of the scribes (teachers of the Law) and the Pharisees. These were more influential with the people, the crowds, than the chief priests and Sadducees. And in so doing Jesus instructs his disciples about their conduct in their pending disciple-making mission.

I do think this is hugely important, and yes, I think much of what Jesus clearly rejects here still has found its way into the institutional church, and the clergy too. Pray for us, your clergy, and for yourselves, that we may honor our one teacher and our one Father, that we recognize that we are all brothers and sisters, that we clergy not lay on burdens hard to bear or not help to carry burdens, and that "the greatest among you shall be your servant" (v. 11; cf. 20:26).

Again, this theme of humility, of great reversals in God's kingdom. I am amazed at how much Jesus has emphasized this since chapter 18. It truly is a major theme, and again points to Jesus' mission to bring the kingdom not by power or might, but through weakness, meekness, and the humiliation of crucifixion. When Jesus says, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted," he is not just giving a word of exhortation to his disciples, or just a description of life in his kingdom, he is also speaking of himself, his mission, and his destiny.

"he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name..." (Philippians 2:8-9)

Thanks be to God.