In life, we are often tempted to elevate ourselves over others—whether it’s for recognition, power, or other personal gain. However, in Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus reminds us of the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. By setting an example for us to follow, Jesus shows us how we can be servants of one another and ultimately, how we can find true fulfillment in our lives.

1. The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-7) – In these verses, Jesus warns his disciples about the Pharisees and their hypocritical behavior. They would do things for show and love to be seen as important figures. However, Jesus tells his disciples not to follow their example because their actions are not genuine and only serve to uplift themselves. As followers of Christ, we must not only avoid such behavior ourselves, but we must recognize it in others and avoid being influenced by it.
2. The Importance of Humble Servanthood (Matthew 23:8-10) – In the next three verses, Jesus speaks to his disciples of what true leadership and servanthood look like in the eyes of God. Christ calls us to humble service, as we are all equal in the eyes of God. By seeking to serve others, we can truly represent Christ and His love for all people. Humble service also calls us to lift one another up in love and care, ensuring that everyone feels valued and seen.
3. The Dangers of Pride (Matthew 23:11-12) – In the final two verses of this chapter, Jesus reminds us of the dangers of pride. Those who exalt themselves will ultimately be humbled. Those who humble themselves, on the other hand, will be exalted in God’s eyes. As Christians, we should always seek to be humble and not let ourselves be caught up in our own accomplishments.
4. The Example that Jesus Sets (Throughout Matthew) – Throughout the book of Matthew, we can see the example that Jesus has set for us. In his life and teachings, Jesus always modeled true humility and servanthood. He washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17) and constantly put others before Himself. As we strive to follow Christ, we can look to His example and seek to live as humble servants of God.
5. The Importance of Practicing Humility (In Our Daily Lives) – Ultimately, Matthew 23:1-12 is a call to action for each of us to practice humility in our daily lives. Whether we’re at work, in our homes, or out in public, we can put others before ourselves and seek to serve them humbly. By doing so, we can promote and foster an atmosphere of love and care, which ultimately brings glory to God.

As we look at Matthew 23:1-12, we are reminded of what Jesus calls us to be as His followers—humble servants who seek to lift one another up in love and care. By putting aside our own ambitions and focusing on God’s will, we can find true fulfillment in our lives and bring glory to His holy name. May we all strive to live out this calling in our daily lives and seek to reflect the love of Christ in all that we do.