Why does Jesus give so much attention to the Pharisees who fail terribley in providing good leadership to Israel? It seems that this shows us the importance of good leadership. Christians are not to be lone rangers living out our faith independently of the church. We need eachother and we need elders to provide teaching, encouragement and reproof.
Also if the Pharisees are such bad examples of godly leaders how are we to be good leaders in the areas that we are called to be leaders, whether in the home or at work or in the church?
Plesase feel free to add any other comments or ask questions that you had about the sermon.
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I thought of something re: your question on how I am to be a good leader in my sphere (my home, specifically with my children). "Trying harder" is usually my first response when I find myself not measuring up (well, either that, or giving up entirely), instead of admitting my insufficiency and running to my Helper.
ReplyDeleteSo, I think my answer to that question is to pray that God would open my eyes to the numerous opportunities to point my children to Christ by running to Him myself.
hoselton said...
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this discussion last Sunday. For those of you in the Crown financial class or who were unable to make it to sunday school, we reflected over the sermon on Matthew 23. 1-15. The conversation began with thinking over the fact that Jesus spoke his diatribe against the godless religious leaders to the crowds and his disciples. Why? I'm glad you asked... He was making it clear that they need to be concerned about the character of their religious leaders, and we today are no exception to this duty. The blind lead the blind into the pit, and although the leaders lead them there, those who follow them are still punished. Thus we need to be those who scrutinize the religious leaders of today with a deep concern and with the unfailing truth of God's Word.
I was encouraged by the devotional nature of the class, and I was especially grateful for the several positive words of thankfulness to our elders for feeding us God's Word. This is a blessing that came at a price by many faithful men in history who died to put that Bible in our languages, in our hands, and in our pulpits. So take advantage of that blessing and use the Word to discern error.
Another point brought up but not discussed in depth, is that the elders are not the only ones who will be held accountable to God for their leadership position. Husbands for wives, parents for children, bosses for workers, friends for friends etc., the call to be leaders who purify those under us extends beyond the pastor, thus this passage is entirely relevant to everyone.
Lastly (although this doesn't cover the entire discussion), I felt a joyful and warm unification of our hearts as we all pondered the glorious Chief Shepherd (Ex. 34. 20-24) who will guide, comfort, and feed us perfectly. What a standard for the under-shepherd! How can he attain to that?! He can't! Which is the greatest part, because God blesses the humble who say I cannot do this! He says, "That's right, that means you must lead those under you to the one who can, my Son." What a passage, and what a God, that he would care for us to warn and protect us from wolves in sheep clothing, and then give us himself as a perfect shepherd.
Wise words from a wise mother. Thanks Sara
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