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back: (22: 15-46) Trick questions and wise replies (23: 1-12) The hypocrisy of the religious leaders1 Jesus told his followers and all the people: 2 “The experts in the Jewish writings and the Pharisees have taken on themselves the authority of Moses (the man through whom God gave his laws.) 3 So obey all that they tell you, but do not copy what they do. For they themselves do not do the things they tell other people to do. 4 They put a heavy load of rules and regulations onto people’s shoulders, but they are not willing to do anything to help the people obey their rules. 5 In fact everything they do is intended to make a good impression on people. They carry impressive boxes containing miniature scrolls of the law, and have large hems on their cloaks (to show they are holy men). 6 They like to be given the most important places at feasts, and the key seats in the places of worship. 7 They like to receive respectful greetings in the market places and for people to address them as “rabbi” (i.e. teacher of spiritual matters). 8 But you must not let people address you as ‘rabbi’, because you have only one teacher (i.e. God) and you are to think of each other as brothers and sisters. 9 Do not address anyone here on earth as ‘father’, because you have only one real father and he is God in heaven.1 10 Neither should you let anyone address you as ‘leader’ because you have only one leader and he is the Christ (God’s sent one). 11 The great ones among you are the people who serve others. 12 “The person who raises himself up in pride will be brought low by God, but the person who humbles himself will be raised up. |
