From Matthew 23:1-12 / Sitting on Moses’ Seat

The previous chapter closed with Jesus putting forth the question to others – specifically the Pharisees, regarding who the Christ was in light of David’s enigmatic statement in Psalm 110. From here then, He begins to dismantle the perceived spiritual authority the Pharisees had.

It wasn’t that they held an actual office, but rather that they had come to be seen as having the most authority when teaching the Scriptures. Even as many today find some Bible teachers or preachers as having more soundness or authority than others in our eyes.

Note first: Jesus does not simply dismiss ecclesiastical authority. He says plainly the scribes and the Pharisees “sit on Moses’ seat.” Blomberg comments: ““Moses’ seat” referred to an actual chair in the synagogues and stood for the teaching authority of Moses’ successors as interpreters of Torah (cf. Deut 17:10). The expression is roughly parallel to our reference to the pulpit as the symbol for preaching or scriptural exposition.” _{Blomberg, Craig. 1992. Matthew. Vol. 22. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.}

That said, Jesus doesn’t say simply to disregard them – but to assess and respond to them appropriately. Neither their corruption nor their wrong notions automatically meant they were to be disregarded. So “observe whatever they tell you”; follow their instructions and honor their authority while they maintain their role. But! Do not be like them.

Note second: The 3 deadly manifestations of dead religiosity. What Jesus says the crowds and the Disciple s are NOT to do, while still honoring the position of those occupying “Moses’ seat.”

1. Hypocrisy. Preaching one thing and living a lifestyle contrary to what is preached and taught. And it is why even today, no matter how orthodox some teacher or preacher may be – if his life and character to do not comport with the truths they teach – with the Spirit of Christ. Recognize the issue, and do not fall into the same trap.

2. Putting spiritual burdens on others, without pointing them to how Christ meets those in grace. There is plenty of “law” preaching still about today. A quasi-Christianity built upon mere moralism – dressed up in Christianese. They use Biblical texts, and they note how Christians ought to live, but all the while there is an unspoken undercurrent that it is really our behavior which justifies us before God, and not faith in Christ alone.

As William Gurnall wrote: “It is not the least of a minister’s care and skill in dividing the word, so to press the Christian’s duty, as not to oppress his spirit with the weight of it, by laying it on the creature’s own shoulders, and not on the Lord’s strength.”_{Gurnall, William, and John Campbell. 1845. The Christian in Complete Armour. London: Thomas Tegg.}

Perhaps one of the most glaring examples of such is when parents tell their children to be obedient, or God will not love them. Putting the burden of God’s love on those precious little shoulders, when we ourselves cannot live up to such a standard. Rather then pointing men and women to Christ, it is so easy to cross over into mere behavioralism, and leave grace to mere lip-service.

3. Doing good deeds, religious practices for the purpose of gaining the recognition and admiration of men as opposed to God.

Beware, beware, beware. This is so very subtle and so very dangerous. If you need pats on the back and recognition for your service to Christ and His Church, you are in grave danger. Labor for His eyes, not the eyes of men.

Note third: The great danger of giving teachers and preachers the place that Jesus alone is meant to occupy.

Jesus’ words in 8-10 cannot be anachronistically applied to calling Roman Catholic priests “father.” That framework was centuries away.

Jesus’ point here is that His advent, no man (and I might add no organization nor system) is to be considered the last word in Biblical interpretation or authority. The authority resides on the Word itself, especially as expounded and fulfilled by Christ – and together, as brothers, we flesh it out – using the gifts God has bestowed among us all in the Church throughout history.

Note fourth: Every Believer is a student of Christ. It is one of the non-negotiable elements of being a Christian.

Those who claim to be Christ’s and to follow Him, who are not students of His Word, are a contradiction in terms. A “disciple” is ever and always a learner. A student. And one perpetually sitting at the feet of The Savior.

Note lastly: How is is that Jesus’ call for humility here, is borne out of His own heart and practice.

Unlike earthly teachers and the hypocrisy Jesus is combating here, He lived His life always submitted to the Father. Even unto death: “Not my will, but thine be done.”

Remember His practice of attending Synagogue worship. How He sat under the preaching and teaching of the very scribes and Pharisees He is considering here.

Remember how He never challenged the Pharisees in their roles, even as they administrated God’s house and people so poorly.

Remember how He said nothing of overthrowing any authority structure, either in the culture, the Church or the home.

Remember how He was submitted to His parents – who were fallen creatures and no doubt erred in many ways.

Remember how He never grasped at being properly recognized, applauded or honored.

He is the ultimate example of true humility. And so He only calls us to be like Himself, in the power of His own Spirit.