Denouncing the Pharisees
43
and ceremonies, which they themselves secretly ignored, and actually
claimed exemption from if detected in their omission.
The severest denunciations that ever fell from the Saviour’s lips
[59]
were directed against those who, while making high pretensions to
piety, secretly practiced iniquity. The religion of the priests, scribes,
and rulers, like that of the modern Roman Church, consisted mainly
in outward ceremonies, and was destitute of spiritual and practical
godliness. God said unto Moses, Thou shalt bind these commandments
of the Lord for a sign upon thy hand; and they shall be as frontlets
between thine eyes. The Jews construed these words into a command
that the precepts of scripture should be worn upon the person. They
were accordingly lettered on cloth in a very conspicuous manner and
bound about their heads and wrists. But wearing these precepts thus
did not cause the law of God to take firmer hold of their minds and
hearts, as God had designed. The precepts which should have purified
their lives, and prompted them to righteous deeds, and acts of kindness
and mercy, were worn as badges to attract observation, and give the
wearers an air of piety and devotion which would excite the veneration
of all beholders. Jesus struck a heavy blow at all this vain show of
religion in these words:—
“But all their works they do for to be seen of men; they make broad
their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love
the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ; and
all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth; for
one is your Father, which is in Heaven. Neither be ye called masters;
for one is your Master, even Christ.” In such plain words the Saviour
[60]
revealed the selfish ambition of the Pharisees, ever reaching for power
and place, displaying a mock humility, while their hearts were filled
with envy and avarice. When persons were invited to a feast the guests
were seated according to their rank and station; and those who were
given the most honorable places received the first attention, and most
special favors. The Pharisees were ever eager and scheming to receive
these honors.
Jesus also revealed their vanity in loving to be called of men Rabbi,
meaning master. He declared that such a title did not belong to men,
but only to Christ. Priests, scribes and rulers, expounders of the law