MATTHEW 23 BEING CHRIST-LIKE

 Being Christ-like

Scripture

Matthew 23,1-4 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 

Observation

The Pharisees instruct others to do things that they do not practice themselves. They "tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear," and perform their deeds merely for the sake of being seen. In contrast, our Lord Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us, which is easy and light. He calls us to learn from Him, for He is “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29-30). 

Application

Religion, in any form, and human-made traditions often stem from self-centered intentions that become burdensome for those who follow them. We were created to worship and please our Creator, and nothing else can fulfill our purpose. The only way to find true meaning in our lives is to be led by the Holy Spirit. This is our yoke— the one that unites us in Jesus, enabling us to fulfill His words: “whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do.”( Joh 14:12) We are called not to elevate ourselves above others or seek influence and dominance, but rather to glorify the name of Jesus through our actions and share what we have received through faith in our Savior, the Son of God.

Prayer

Lord, we come to You weary from carrying the heavy burdens of religious and human-made traditions that have left us feeling empty and frustrated along the way. Today, we desire to take on Your yoke and become like You—gentle and lowly in heart. Not by our own strength, but by the power of Your Holy Spirit dwelling in us, grant us rest and comfort as we walk together with Your church, doing the works You have done and even greater, as You have promised. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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Elder Johny - JCRC LATIN