The Trinity in Matthew 23

 ~ The Trinity Role’s In Our Lives ~

Introduction  ~  While the English word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible the concept and truth of the Trinity is found throughout Scripture – beginning in the first chapter in the historical account of creation.  In this post we find the Trinity in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 23.

The Passage  ~ “Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.  They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.  But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.  They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men.  But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.  Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.  Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.  But the greatest among you shall be your servant.  Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted’” (Matthew 23:1-12 nasu)

The Holy Spirit  ~  Jesus said, “They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi [Bible Teacher] by men.  But do not be called Rabbi [Bible Teacher]; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers” (Matthew 23:6-8 nasu)

While on earth Christ was our Teacher.  After He ascended back to heaven the Holy Spirit is our Teacher.  Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:25-26).  Jesus also said, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.  However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:12-14).  “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him” (1 John 2:27). 

God the Father  ~  Jesus said, “Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven” (Matthew 23: nasu)

The Son of God  ~  Jesus said, “Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader [Master], that is, Christ.  But the greatest among you shall be your servant.  Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted’” (Matthew 23:10-12 nasu)

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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Warning, 3of3

~ Warning to Religious Leaders ~

There are at least three great warning chapters in Scripture.  Interesting enough they all are double digit chapters ending in three (making it easy to memorize them (Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 33, and Matthew 23).  In this post we are summarizing the last of these three chapters.

Matthew 23 Summary  ~  This chapter follows the clash between our Lord and the religious leaders of the day.  (1) Pharisees were the most prevalent of the religious leaders and were legalistic to the extreme and were known for their self-righteousness and hypocrisy.  (2) Scribes were those who meticulously made copies of the Holy Scriptures—so they knew the text well and were therefore considered authorities.  The words of our Lord to these religious leaders are the strongest denunciation that He ever made of anyone or any group!  Keep in mind that Jesus Christ was the perfect embodiment of what a spiritual person should be—and He loathed religious pretense. 

It is important to keep the context of this chapter in mind.  On Monday of this week Jesus had cleansed the Temple.  At that point He left the Temple and would never again enter it!  This ended His public ministry.  He would hang on the Cross of Calvary just three days later. 

Matthew 23 Scripture Portions  ~  “Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.  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’” (verses 1-3). 

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Multiple times in the chapter).  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her!  How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!  See!  Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (verses 37-39).    

Matthew 23 and Today  ~  Religious form without substance is alive and thriving today—as it has been throughout Church history.  Is it time for your personal self-examination? 

closing note:  The warnings of Matthew 23 are well worth personal study by each of my readers.  A careful and thoughtful reading will cause conviction to any serious believer. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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