Monday, 28 September 2026
Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. Matthew 23:3
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“All, therefore, as much if they might say to you to guard, you guard, and you do. According, also, to their works, not you do. They say, indeed, and not they do.” (CG).
In the previous verse, Jesus told those He was talking to that the scribes and the Pharisees sat in Moses’ seat. Because of this, He continues, “All, therefore, as much if they might say to you to guard, you guard, and you do.”
The instruction from Jesus is that those things taught by the scribes and Pharisees were to be kept (guarded) and done. Naturally, there are many views on what exactly this means. But Jesus just said that they sit on Moses’ bench. Therefore, this pertains to those things that are demanded by the law.
For example, the law says in Deuteronomy 19:15-21 that matters were to be brought before the priests and judges “who serve in those days.” The matter was to be presented, and a ruling was to be made for one and against another. This was considered binding, just as when someone goes before a court today.
Likewise, there may be a dispute about a matter of law, a point concerning tithing, for example. Such a matter was to be raised to the appropriate level, a decision was to be made, and it was to be followed. There were also matters that could not be handled by these men because Rome reserved the right to decide them. Therefore, such a ruling would not apply to Jesus’ “all.”
Those things that belonged within the realm of their authority were to be guarded and done. However, Jesus continues, saying, “According, also, to their works, not you do.”
Suppose in America you have a judge who has authority to render a decision on a matter. When the decision is made, it is expected to be complied with. However, that same judge is a sexual deviant, participating in drag shows, carousing at night, and conducting his life in a generally ungodly manner. It would be unwise to follow such a person.
This is what was going on in Israel. The scribes and Pharisees had the legal authority to render decisions and direct the actions of the people. At the same time, they were ungodly and not to be emulated. Their works were works of wickedness. Jesus sums that up, saying, “They say, indeed, and not they do.”
To substantiate this, Jesus will directly address these men throughout the chapter, calling out their aberrant ways for the people to see and understand exactly what He is referring to. When He is done, there will be no doubt as to His view of these men.
Life application: Jesus’ words fit leaders throughout the world at any given time in history. Once people get into positions of authority, they quickly abuse those positions for personal gain or to meet perverse agendas.
From there, they set the guidelines that ensure those who are like them will also get into power. Unfortunately, many people see the conduct of their leaders as freeing rather than diabolical. They are enabled to act out their sexual fantasies, promote political agendas that grant them power to harm those they disagree with, and so on.
In places where communism flourishes, it often starts with the promotion of some society-degrading aspect that will allow enough people to join those seeking power that they will gain that power. However, as soon as the power has been secured, the same people they enlisted through those perverse actions are rounded up and eliminated.
Such people are called “useful idiots.” They think they will gain freedom in some warped way, throw their weight behind a person who has the ability to seize control, and expect that they will be a part of the leadership when control has been established.
However, they find that what they hoped for was never a part of the long-term goals of those using them. For example, who would want a society filled with people who pretended to be animals? But animal pretenders may be of such significant numbers that they can sway the grabbing of power.
Once power has been seized, the animal pretenders are no longer needed, nor are they wanted. Their deviant life will not fit with the greater utopia the communists are looking for. Therefore, they are eliminated. This is why so many millions of people are often exterminated at such points in history.
Whatever those who have seized power think is right and normal will survive the culling. Whatever they disagree with is terminated. It is always an arbitrary decision-making process that ends badly for many.
For those countries that have a system based on Christianity, it must be carefully guarded. If people are not paying attention, such massive changes are inevitable, and when they come, they will come suddenly and violently.
Lord God, help us to live our lives morally and properly. For those of us who live in societies that honor You, may we carefully and attentively watch over what we have. How easy it is for wickedness to step in and take control. Help us to be attentive to what is going on around us. Amen.