Sunday, May 3, 2015

Matthew 23:5-7 (NIV): Avoiding Pride and Competition

Matthew 23:5-7 (NIV): Avoiding Pride and Competition
“Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others."

Comment:
“Jesus’ critique is centered on what legalism does to the law-keeper: it fosters feelings of pride and competition. Instead of getting on with the task of creating a just society that would shine as a light to the Gentiles, the Pharisees narrowed their vision and began competing with each other. Caught up in trying to impress each other with spiritual calisthenics, they lost contact with the real enemy, as well as with the rest of the world. “From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, spare us, O Lord,” prayed Teresa of Ávila”
~From What’s So Amazing about Grace by Philip Yancey

No comments:

Post a Comment