Then
Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat. All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do. For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments, and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by men. But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
Matthew 23:1-8
Matthew 22 [46.] No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.
Matthew 23 [1.] Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat. All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do. For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments, and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by men. But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23 [13.] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
Meaning:
After silencing his opponents in the temple (Matthew 22:45-46), Jesus turned to the crowds and to his disciples. Matthew 23 contains his strongest warning against the religious leaders of his day. Before the series of “woes”, Jesus explains what was wrong with the way the scribes and Pharisees practised their religion. Mark and Luke give a shorter form of this warning (Mark 12:38-39; Luke 20:45-46).
- “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat”
The scribes were experts in the law of Moses, and many of them belonged to the party of the Pharisees, who were known for strict observance. To sit on “Moses’ seat” meant to teach the law with authority, as Moses had done. Some ancient synagogues had a stone seat where the teacher sat to read and explain Scripture.
- “observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do”
Jesus did not reject the law they taught. Where they faithfully passed on God’s commandments, the people should obey them. But their lives did not match their words. Paul later asked the same question: “You therefore who teach another, don’t you teach yourself?” (Romans 2:21).
- “they bind heavy burdens”
The Pharisees added many detailed rules to the law, about the Sabbath, washing, tithing and purity. These became “heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne”, and the teachers offered no help to those who struggled under them. Peter later spoke of “a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear” (Acts 15:10). How different is Jesus’ invitation: “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).
- “all their works they do to be seen by men”
Their religion was a performance. Phylacteries were small leather boxes containing verses of Scripture, worn on the forehead and arm in obedience to the command, “You shall bind them for a sign on your hand” (Deuteronomy 6:8). The fringes, or tassels, were commanded so that Israel would “remember all Yahweh’s commandments, and do them” (Numbers 15:39). Both were good reminders of God’s word, but the Pharisees made them extra large to display their devotion. Jesus had warned, “Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1).
- “love the place of honor at feasts”
The best seats at banquets, the front seats in the synagogue facing the people, and respectful greetings in the marketplace all fed their desire for status. John observed that some leaders “loved men’s praise more than God’s praise” (John 12:43).
- “don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher”
“Rabbi” was a title of honor for a respected teacher, literally meaning my great one. Jesus does not forbid teaching, but he forbids seeking titles that set people above their brothers and sisters. Christ alone is the true Teacher, and all his followers are equals. James warns, “Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment” (James 3:1).
The Significance of Matthew 23:1-8
- Practise what you preach
The greatest danger for religious people is to know the truth and not live it. Our words about God should be matched by obedience.
- Serving, not being seen
God sees the heart. Leaders in the church are called to lighten burdens, not add to them, and to seek God’s approval rather than human praise.
Cross-References:
Mark 12:38: “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes.” Mark’s account.
Luke 11:46: “you yourselves won’t even lift one finger to help carry those burdens.” Jesus’ earlier rebuke.
Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened.” Jesus lifts burdens.
Romans 2:21: “You therefore who teach another, don’t you teach yourself?” Teaching without doing.
Conclusion: Jesus told the people to respect the teaching of the law but not to copy the scribes and Pharisees, who said one thing and did another. They laid heavy burdens on others, performed their religion to be seen, and loved honor and titles. Christ’s followers have one Teacher and are all brothers, called to humble obedience rather than show.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible