What we can learns about service from Matthew 23:1-12

This week’s readings have shown us a lot about service. Romans 12:4-8  told us the God gifts each of us with specific abilities/inclinations to use to help others, and that we should be all in in using them for that purpose.  Ephesians 4:12-24  explained that we can’t let social standards distort how we serve. 1 Corinthians 10:27-37  showed us that we must subordinate our desires to the interests of those we serve.  Romans 12:1-10  explained that sacrificial service is a form of worship, reiterated that it should not be confined by social standards, and it should be done humbly.

 

             So what does Matthew 23:1-12  add?  At least three things.

            First, it illustrates what service should not be: polluted by concern about what others will think. Using the religious leaders of the time as negative examples, Jesus powerfully states the principle that such concerns inevitably cheapen our service. This was not a context specific lesson—Jesus reiterated this principle in multiple ways.

        Second, and relatedly, we do the most good when we so lose ourselves in service that we cease to care about own status or desires. Jesus called—and still calls—his disciples to be “servants.”  The Greek word used to capture Jesus’ teaching  here refers to advancing others’ interests even at the expense of our own, something similar to what we saw in 1 Corinthians 10:27-37  and see elsewhere in scripture. The point is to focus on the person(s) served, not the server.

            Third, God helps us when we humbly strive to serve the way Jesus describes; He tells us that we will be "exalted" when we do so. One of the things that word means is to be increased in happiness. Those who humbly pour themselves into using the gifts God gives for His purposes experience a joy that propels them in their service.