Matthew 23:1-3
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
Tag: Respect Authority; But Be Warned!!!
The above verse is actually quite an amazing statement by Jesus. He is about call the Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites, fools, blind guides, blind fools, and blind men. It is obvious from chapter 23 that Jesus believes they are false teachers and are to be “called out” for their hypocrisy. But, he first says that what they are saying to do, do!! Apparently Jesus saw that what they were teaching, at times, was correct, but their life-style did not back it up. Judas would be a perfect example of this thought. Judas was a disciple. He went out with the other disciples and did great work under the Spirit’s ministry. Yet, his life-style did not match the Gospel message. The point Jesus is trying to make here is that the bucket carrying the water does not speak to the wetness of the water. The bucket can be rusty and dirty but the water is still wet. You would want the bucket to be clean and shinny; to match the cleanses of the water. But, if the bucket (the vessel carrying the water) is corrupt, the water is still wet. The basic contents of the water is still H20. Today’s teachers might have a life style that does conflict with the teaching of the Gospel. But, they can still teach the Gospel. Jesus will condemn them. But, their life-style does not diminish the truth or power of the Gospel. It should be understood, however, that their is a difference between a person in a position of authority, under God’s plan, who is a hypocrite and a false teacher, simply trying to promote their lives and teaching false doctrine. Note what Paul says about these types:
Romans 16:17-18
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
We need to “avoid” this type. Jesus tells us to do and observe the hypocritical teacher. Remember, hypocrisy is simply saying one thing and doing the other. That does not diminish what is said. False teachers are to be avoided and corrected. Hypocritical teachers are to be observed for what they say, not for what they do.
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