Matthew 23
Speaking to the crowds and the disciples about the legalism of the religious, Jesus wants his listeners to be set free from performing their faith to impress others. At that time there were a variety of Pharisees:
Those who did acts of kindness to impress.
Those who announced their acts of kindness but who never did them.
Those who in the attempt to avoid sexual temptation injured themselves by not looking where they were going.
Those who majored on looking humble.
Those who counted up their acts of kindness convincing themselves that God was pleased with them.
Those who did acts of kindness out of fear for God.
Those who did acts of kindness in a desire to please God.
But not only did these Pharisees perform their faith like this, they also expected others to do the same.
They created rules for people to follow that God never asked for.
These rules became burdens that people became worn down with because they always failed in some way. It had become impossible to do enough to be right in the sight of God.
The Pharisees still exist.
This kind of leadership is still operating. It’s called spiritual abuse today.
Jesus sets out what is needed to live a true life for God:
Be a servant to others. This is the true mark of greatness.
Don’t come under the burdens of any man. Jesus is the burden lifter not the burden bringer.
Missions Paul 