Sermon (05-Nov): "Going Low to Go High" Matthew 23:1-12

Bible Passage:

1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:

2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.

3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;

6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;

7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.

8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.

9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.

10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.

11 The greatest among you will be your servant.

12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Objective: (SLIDE)

The objective of this message is to take Jesus’ words to heart as He explains where humility leads you

Introduction: “When they go low, we go high” (SLIDE)

- During the 2016 Democratic National Convention, First Lady Michelle Obama uttered the now famous catchphrase, “When they go low, we go high…”

- The crowd at the convention would respond with cheers and applause

- Years later, First Lady Obama would explain the statement saying,

“ I never could have imagined that the phrase…would become synonymous with my name…let’s be clear: Going high doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s not disengagement or simply turning the other cheek. It’s about making your work count and your voice heard in a way that’s authentic to you and constructive for others. It’s about making sure your commitment to dignity and decency lights the way in everything you do—how you treat others, how you show up in the world, how you respond when your back’s against a wall.”

- I can’t say that I am in support of any political party wholly but I do believe that First Lady Obama was on to something

- How we treat others, how we show up and how we respond will always stand out

- Often in this world, the idea is for each one of us to propel ourselves forward at the expense of whoever or whatever

- As believers, in many ways, that ends up going against what Jesus teaches us about how we should live our lives as His followers

- God isn’t against promotion and advancing us but if it involves us scheming, being underhanded or cutthroat for it; God’s not for it

- Imagine Jesus trying to usurp God’s authority and completely leaving God out of the picture

- Jesus was never like that; His life was about humility—obedience to God and respecting others

- I cannot even begin to imagine that Jesus ever wanted to be the headliner

- He always sought to submit Himself to God the Father

- He may have been “THE TEACHER” here on earth but His earthly objective was to tell of the kingdom of God and how we/others can become a part of it

- He knew what the teachers of the law, Pharisees, and Sadducees were all about—they were about themselves—haughty—and condescending in many ways

- They were antithetical to Jesus and manner in which He taught; that’s why they never really got along with each other

- Jesus saw them for who they were not who they proclaimed to be to the people

- What the Pharisees, teachers, and Sadducees expected of the people were unbearable demands and heavy loads

- To them, it was adherence to the law in the “strictest, most extreme sense”

- Jesus doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to them—they preach it but don’t practice it

- Side note…Have you ever felt that way about yourself and/or been that way?

- He’s not condemning their preaching but their way of living it out

- No doubt, I believe that there is some dissonance (inconsistency) in all of us

- Those leaders that He is speaking about—at their heart—they had no thought or desire to change

- We may not be religious leaders on that level but we should be open to change and correcting the inconsistencies in our lives

- It’s what living life as a Christian is all about—opening our lives to God changing us through His Spirit to look more like Jesus in our daily journeys

Transition: In this passage, Jesus continues to teach us from His heart—His ways; if I had to some it up, it’d be this (SLIDE):

Do the work God calls you to do but not for people to see nor for a title/position; greatness is found in thinking of yourself less—humility

1) Do the Work God calls you to do

2) But Not For People to See

3) Nor For A Title/Position

4) Greatness is found in thinking of yourself less—humility

1) Do the Work God calls you to do (v. 1-4) (SLIDE)

1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

- We should always keep in mind that God looks at us as individuals

- The teachers of the law, Pharisees, pastors, and ministers all have their calling and responsibility from God; for which God will ultimately hold them accountable

- Still, it is up to us in our doing as individuals—to fulfill what God has called us to do

- We can look at what God calls us to do in different ways when it comes down to it: our homes (with loved ones/extended family), community (neighborhood, church, hobby areas), workplaces, and the marketplace

- In our homes, our loved ones will most likely see the most stressed and/or the most relaxed version of you

-- You’ll only be able to fake it so long with your family—they see the good, bad, and the ugly

-- They also are more than likely the ones to keep us honest—to check us when the need arises

- In our community, they’ll be the ones to see us on a regular basis whether a few times a week or what have you

-- They’ll be the ones we see when we are taking out the trash, cleaning up the garage, out in the yard or just being cordial

-- The thing is we can somewhat fake it with them

- Then, we have our workplace; where we spend a lot of time—our co-workers see us (we can hide) but for the most part they see our ups and downs, good and bad moods, good days, and bad days—but, here and the marketplace…

- Are they really seeing the real us?

- There can be so many masks that we have to wear but what, I believe, God calls us to do is to be authentic and strive for excellence in all our relationships and doing

- That’s not to say that we just reveal everything to everybody

- Clearly, there must be discretion and respect for those we encounter

- With the mindset in authenticity, those we meet will eventually see our faults/weaknesses but hopefully they’ll see our heart

- A heart based on fairness, equity, hope, geared towards God—one that’s being conformed to the image and character of Jesus

Transition: Ultimately, it’s for God to see…

2) But Not For People To See (v. 5-6) (SLIDE)

5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;

- When it comes to being seen, I’m thankful that one of my first pastors, Pastor Philip Watkins, taught us that we are bondservants of Christ first (Eph 6:6)

- Our goal is to do things as “servants of Christ” not with or for eyeservice to please other men or women

- Personally, I think of this (Col 3:23-24) (SLIDE),

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

- Yet, looking back on those times; it was the Pharisees and the religious leaders that wanted to be seen as the “spiritually superior” to everyone else

- They had their “prayer boxes” (phylacteries) where everyone could see them

- Their robes were “tasseled out” so everyone would know the position they held

- There may have been individuals of the leaders and Pharisees that were not like that; Nicodemus and perhaps others

- The vibe that they gave off was that they knew God deeper, more intimately than anyone else

- They loved the distinction of being in places of honor—seated at the “High Table” or the coveted seat in the temple

- It seemed as if it were more about the accolades and the prominence of their position rather than leading people to the heart and kingdom of God

- Anybody know a church or two like that?

- I think we can all agree looking back on it that God’s heart was never to deny or distance Himself from the people

- Jesus came to be a bridge to the people from God which put Him at odds with the Pharisees

- The Pharisees were more about their authority than a relationship with God

- Whenever one has to stress or “showboat” their position, that’s a wrong road to travel down

- Imagine you overestimate your position or authority and someone steps in to correct you on it; you think you deserve the seat of honor and someone has to tell you to move…

- I’d rather underestimate my position and moved to a higher position than think that I deserve to be in a place especially in the church

- I remember serving on the sound ministry years back in a civilian church and in a ministry meeting, we were all reminded that we were volunteers

- I felt so free and believed that opened my heart to the thought that even if I lead the ministry, the goal was still the same—serve as unto the Lord

Transition: We serve with the mindset that it’s all about Jesus and less about us; any recognition we receive—He’s at the center of it

3) Nor For A Title/Position (SLIDE)

7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others. 8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.

- Notice that Jesus never denied the authority of the Pharisees/religious leaders

- They were in that position for a reason—to point people back to God

- It must’ve gotten twisted along the way or tradition got in the way

- They were the ones that “loved to be greeted with respect in the marketplace”

- The reverence and respect puffed them up rather than allow them to defer to God—the Creator and Sustainer of all good things

-I pray that God continues to remind me that any good that I can offer or that I am is directly a result of Him working in and through me

- The Apostle Paul says it this way (Rom 7:18) (SLIDE),

“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.” (NLT; Rom 7:18)

- Paul knew where the true credit lies—he experienced the hypocrisy of the religious leaders even in Himself

- I think the human ego of each of us knows that the need for praise or respect is there

- Yet, each of us needs to recognize that we cannot be defined by it

- God is the One as our Creator who defines who He created us to be

- Jesus is not knocking titles but when it comes to basking in the title or to appear distinguished because of it

- That’s where the issue begins—their human nature (their pride) began to overrule their God-given mandate and authority

- I read this recently (SLIDE),

“Pride is a perverted imitation of God. For pride hates a fellowship of equality under God, and seeks to impose its own dominion on fellow men , in the place of God’s rule.” - St. Augustine

- The calling that a chaplain, pastor, minister, religious leader has; it should lead to directing people toward the perfect God and how we all as a whole are so far from perfect

- Miraculously, God uses us as imperfect people to help perfect others

Transition: The more we recognize that we are imperfect; the easier it is for us to embrace humility and allows God alone to lift us up

4) Greatness is found in thinking of yourself less—humility (SLIDE)

11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

- If you were to look at the history of the Pharisees, you’d find something that you didn’t expect

- At their very roots (their beginning), the Pharisees had a heart to restore and reform Israel

- Initially, Israel had drifted so far away from God, the religious hierarchy of the Sadducees (the high priesthood) had tainted God’s law so much

- The Pharisees stepped in to “better” the interpretation/implication of the Law

- But, quite naturally, as time goes on and Jesus arrives on the scene—the original intent gets “muddied” and Jesus has to clear it up

- Imagine how confusing it must have been for the people and how challenging it was to the Pharisees

- The heart of what they believed was different than God’s heart

- Servitude for most spoke of being devalued and not honorable

- But, not in God’s eyes—God always sees thinks differently than we do

- I believe that as we think that God had one purpose in mind for circumstances in our life—that truly He has more in mind than we could ever imagine

- It may have been that one thing but most likely several others…all at the same time with eternity in mind

CLOSING: As I begin to close, Jesus is teaching us what it means to live unto God

- Our heart is to be set on what God calls us to do; His Word should be our priority in what we do

- If we are doing what we do for people to see but not God, then we are missing what Jesus is teaching us here

- Also, it should never be about a position, title or for a place of prominence; God knows how to reward us accordingly

- Being a servant and acting in humility is where greatness is found

FAITHpoint (SLIDE):

Do the work God calls you to do but not for people to see nor for a title/position; greatness is found in thinking of yourself less—humility

- Will you pray with me…

COMMUNION – 2023

This is the time where we look back and reflect on the Last Supper. Jesus, fittingly, wanted to spend His last earthly ministry moments with His disciples:

Luke 22:19-22 NKJV records it this way, "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you."

His body broken supports the prophet Isaiah’s prophecy that “He was wounded for our transgressions…bruised for our iniquities…and by His stripes (wounds) we are healed.” (Isa 53:5) His shed blood points to the Book of Hebrews to justify/verify that “without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.” (Heb 9:22) His sacrifice grants us grace and salvation eternal.

The Apostle Paul in addressing the Corinthian church wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (AMP) exhorts us to "prayerfully examine our self and our relationship with Christ"

Let us take a moment to do just that. (Pause then pray)

Prayer: "Thank You Father that You have promised to hear the prayers and petitions of Your servants. Help us to prepare our heart as we partake of the elements, which are the beautiful symbols of Christ body – broken for me and His precious blood – shed for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Please join me in our confession to God.

CONFESSION: “FATHER, TODAY I ACKNOWLEDGE ANEW THAT MY LORD JESUS WAS WOUNDED FOR MY TRANSGRESSIONS, BRUISED FOR MY INIQUITY AND DIED ON CALVARY’S CRUEL CROSS TO PAY THE REDEMPTION PRICE FOR MY SINS.

AS I COME TO THIS COMMUNION TABLE TODAY, IN MY HEART THERE’S GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF WHAT YOU DID FOR ME AT CALVARY, WITH A HEART FULL OF HUMBLE THANKSGIVING.

I CONFESS THAT I AM IMPERFECT AND FAILED AT LOVING YOU AND MY NEIGHBOR AS MYSELF SO I ASK THAT YOU WOULD CLEANSE ME OF ALL MY WRONGDOINGS AND SELF-CENTERED THOUGHTS. THANK YOU THAT I HAVE BEEN WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND CLOTHED IN YOUR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH. I PRAISE YOUR NAME AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO FOR EVER AND EVER, AMEN.”

Let us prepare to receive Communion. (Servers come forward) The Apostle Paul gave instructions on the correct way to celebrate the Lord's Supper.

Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NRSV) "FOR I RECEIVED FROM THE LORD WHAT I ALSO HANDED ON TO YOU, THAT THE LORD JESUS ON THE NIGHT WHEN HE WAS BETRAYED TOOK A LOAF OF BREAD, AND WHEN HE HAD GIVEN THANKS, HE BROKE IT AND SAID, “THIS IS MY BODY THAT IS FOR YOU. DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.” IN THE SAME WAY HE TOOK THE CUP ALSO, AFTER SUPPER, SAYING, “THIS CUP IS THE NEW COVENANT IN MY BLOOD. DO THIS, AS OFTEN AS YOU DRINK IT, IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.” FOR AS OFTEN AS YOU EAT THIS BREAD AND DRINK THE CUP, YOU PROCLAIM THE LORD'S DEATH UNTIL HE COMES."- 1 COR 11:23-26 NRSV