When Jesus says of the Pharisees—everything they do is done for people to see—I think of our world of selfies and flattering pictures and showing everyone my good side (every time Jesus speaks to the Pharisees I pay attention—more there in common than I care to admit).
How much do I do just to be seen by others?
Jesus excoriated the Pharisees not for their fashion sense, but rather for their pridefulness and virtue signaling. They presented themselves as the most religious of religious people. They coveted the best seats at church, and like peacocks, swelled with respectful greetings around town.
I notice in the realm of social media that looking good, saying the right things, and supporting the popular causes often substitutes for careful thought and helpful debate (I’m pretty sure no one can have a reasoned debate over social media). Rather, if I just click the right button and show the world I’m an advocate, I can skip on to the rest of my day, looking righteous, but caring little.
Jesus hammered this type of grandiose, self-important commitment when applied to the Lord, and turned it upside down—For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Exalting myself feels so right, and all the messaging encourages me in this direction. Jesus, however, points to another way.
Worth a look.
Matthew 23 in week thirty-three of reading the Bible cover to cover
Photo by Ricardo Frantz
Amen. So well said. I’m grateful that you keep faithfully shipping.