The religious leaders, specifically the Pharisees and teachers of the law, Jesus taught, should be respected. For they sit in Moses’ seat. Their teaching should be listened to and obeyed. But Jesus warned the crowd and his disciples to not do as these religious leaders did. What were they doing? Everything they did was for a show. Whenever they went out in public, they wanted recognition. They wore their garments to make a show. Worst of all, they burdened those wanting to enter God’s kingdom. They were not fulfilling their God-given duty to help people come to God.

Jesus urged the crowd to not be like their religious leaders. They were to humble themselves. We are all under one Father, one Teacher, who is Christ Jesus himself. That means no one is above anyone else. Instead, we are all to be servants of others. With God, no one is measured by their title, position, wealth, or status. Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by how we serve others. True leadership is not about being above others but being beneath them and lifting them up. Those who chase honor will be humbled, but those who are humble will be lifted up.
Application: Father, help me to not live as a hypocrite, but to live according to the gospel teaching. Help me to be humble, that God may exalt me.
One Word: Humble yourself before God; he will exalt you