| Saturday, August 23, 2003 Meditation Matthew 23:1-12 What if a baker preheated the oven, greased the pans, meticulously followed a recipe, placed the cake on the center rack, set the timer—yet didn’t plug in the oven? What a futile exercise! While it may not be so obvious, efforts to follow God without relying on his grace are just as futile. In fact, they quickly become “heavy burdens” (Matthew 23:4).
In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees had made many additions to the commandments handed down by Moses. Jesus commented that these were “hard to bear.” What’s worse, the Pharisees were “unwilling to lift a finger” to lighten the load (Matthew 23:4). Undoubtedly, not all the scribes and Pharisees were blameworthy. But many were making it harder—not easier—for people to follow God. These religious leaders should have understood that loving service is at the heart of God’s law. Instead, they emphasized outward observances and appearances.
Some scribes and Pharisees became puffed up in their roles as leaders and teachers. “They do all their deeds to be seen by others,” Jesus said. “They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues” (Matthew 23:5-6). Jesus urged his disciples not to follow their example but to practice another kind of leadership. “The greatest among you will be your servant,” he said (23:11). Then, he modeled this call by his own life. In doing so, Jesus revealed that the true servant of God fulfills the law by becoming a servant of all and helping shoulder people’s burdens.
On another occasion, Jesus promised, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Although the Christian life has seasons of difficulty, God’s grace and mercy are always there to help us move through it peacefully. We are not called to bear sufferings and crises on our own strength. Rather, we can turn to Jesus. Then the Holy Spirit will change our perspective, enabling us to see our situations differently. This transformation brings peace, joy, and freedom. Do you know this joy? Seek it today by surrendering and relying on Christ in all things, big and small.
“Lord Jesus, I sing your praises. You have taken on the burdens of my sin and sufferings. Where human love ends, yours is just beginning! I love you.” |
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