The God of the Universe wants a relationship with us and desires that we meditate on Him and His Word. In several passages of the Old Testament, God admonished the Jewish people to remember His commandments by tying them on their hands and foreheads (Deuteronomy 6:8-9). The Pharisees took this literally and wore prayer boxes with scriptures (phylacteries) on their left arms and foreheads. However, they liked to wear extra wide prayer boxes not to honor God but to show how pious they were. Jewish men also wore tassels with a blue cord attached to the four corners of their robes to remind them to obey God’s commandments and to be holy (Numbers 15:37-41). However, the Pharisees wore extra long tassels to attract attention to themselves and not to glorify God.
They loved the best seats at banquets and in the synagogue. Seating at banquets and in synagogues was assigned to guests based on social status. This desire for recognition is a common temptation for all people.
When I worked in medical care, it was common to desire recognition, promotions, positions of leadership or the even the best office. We were encouraged to work for these rewards. To be honest, I was tempted to seek this type of recognition. I prayed about this and God reminded me that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23, 24b). Every day before work, I would pray and ask Jesus to help me to do my best job that day for my patients and my co-workers.
The Pharisees also loved to be greeted with respect. It is not wrong to give honor to those who deserve it but it is wrong to seek it for yourself (Romans 13:7). Jesus goes on to state that we are all brothers and have one Teacher, Jesus Himself, and one Father, the Lord God. Jesus’ followers were to lead by serving others in sharp contrast to Israel’s religious leaders. In order to be great, they needed to be servants. Jesus clearly demonstrated servanthood the night before He was crucified by washing the feet of the disciples (John 13:12-16).
Finally, Jesus tells us that “those who exalt themselves will be humbled.” I do not want God to have to humble me! But those who humble themselves will be exalted.
For reflection:
- Do you agree that the desire for recognition is a common temptation for people? Why or why not? When have you been tempted to exalt yourself?
- How is God asking you to serve Him?
by Bonnie Tesch
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