Today's passage closes out the chapter with the continued theme of seeing the religious leaders for what they were: imperfect, sinful, arrogant, and unwise. Matthew 23 has many parallel ideas for those seeking to explore these more. As Matthew 23.2-3 indicates, God places religious leaders in positions of authority, but as we see time and again, these leaders can and do fall short. As Paul said in I Corinthians 11.1: " Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." We need to evaluate the words and actions of religious leaders against the scripture and against Christ's examples, not follow blindly. For the leaders of our local body, I Timothy 5.19-21 lays out how members should keep religious leaders accountable.

While Jesus had strong words of judgement against these religious leaders, the point is one for all of His believers. Any of us can fall into such a trap. In fact, the more we learn and grow as Christians, the greater the temptation may be to rest on what would seem to be "our" laurels (though really those victories are God's, not ours). And even mature Christians can be deceived by a religious leader's façade if they are not vigilant. This is why Jesus warns us, both to help us to see through the things humans may prize, and to keep from being such people ourselves. We are still certainly called to mature as Christians, but must always remain humble, broken, and aware of our continued need of our Savior.

May the word of God challenge, convict, and correct areas in our lives where we hold others or ourselves too highly.

[Luke 20.45-47]

45 And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Who was present when Jesus said what He did?

+ How would you describe the behavior of the scribes?

+ What will be the result of their actions?

+ What is Jesus cautioning us from?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Are you following any religious leaders in one way or another? How do they line up against scripture and Jesus' example?

+ As you are active in ministry, are there areas where you are focused on what seem to be your own successes, even though they are truly God's?

+ Is humility woven throughout your words and actions? Where can this be strengthened, and what steps can you take this week to make that happen?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?