What is the meaning of Matthew 23:1-12? I know it' wording is fairly simplistic but how can I convey it's meaning for us today as a reflection in a contemporary worship service?

v.3 -- "But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach."
v.12 -- "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

That passage answers the questions, "What is discipleship?" --

Bible.org: Discipleship: Its Definitions and Dangers (Matthew 23:1-12)

And "Am I a Pharisee?" --

http://www.brow.on.ca/Sermons/ParRel.htm

Do we try to impress others with our religiosity? Do we demand recognition for our supposed faithfulness? Are religion and church activities burdens?

Most important, do we live by rules (the Law) or by unconditional love (the Gospel)? How can we live a life of love without being a doormat, a victim, a martyr? How can we have the rules, the guidelines, yet still live in love?

If you need more help, holler.

WG, a preacher's daughter

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Originally Posted by TrislerMom

What is the meaning of Matthew 23:1-12? I know it' wording is fairly simplistic but how can I convey it's meaning for us today as a reflection in a contemporary worship service?

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This simply is telling us that none should exalted themself above one another because we will all get dirty from sin here on earth. There are no favorites in God's eye.. When you observe those who know what is written in THE WORD, and they exalt themselves above others because they think their position is better then many others. This we are not to do! You can observe those that do this, but do not be like them.

We were told this simply fact when Christ washed the feet of His disciples. Showing we all walk upon the earth getting dirty, yet Christ was a servant to us, and washed away the dirt. No one can take Christ's place, or put themselve above Him. And Christ humbled Himself to wash the feet of His disciples as a servant. That puts us all as servants beneath The Master/Christ... we are the lowest of servant...

This passage is the beginning part of the "Seven Woes"... and is a warning to Jesus' followers not to be hypocrites.

He tells his followers to follow the teachers of the law, but not to do everything they tell you to do because they don't practice what they preach. They make a great show of their religiousity, but there is no substance.

Jesus teaches that if a person boasts and exhaults himself over others will most certainly be humbled, will be considered a comical character by people. Be an authentic modest person of good moral and spiritual standing, a person whose life's actions are his declaration of integrity, others will think highly of your integrity, as will GodAlmighty.

So, I think a talk about hypocrisy would be very relevant today and this passage would fit in nicely.

Best wishes, :)

Another point we could learn from this passage is that Jesus boldly exposed these hypocrites for their false religious works. Are we today, tolerant of such ones or are we bold as Jesus was in rejecting any such biblically condemned practices?

The meaning for today is pretty much the same. Too many church leaders forget to give God ALL the glory. God may give glory to the "earthen vessels" who have the "treasure" of the message of God's love, but we are not to take it by ourselves.

The reason is common, it is part of human nature to look good before other people.
For most, its flaunting riches in possessions, spending great amounts of time in putting on make-up or taking off pounds or just letting people know how smart/learned we are. For the church leaders it is often glory by association with God or power over people through their interpretations of the law.

There is nothing new under the sun.

the pharisees were blocking out their own condemnation, and outwardly appearing righteous to everyone. I don't think the pharisees examined their own hearts, because their righteousness was in following the letter of the law.
when the public couldn't be as disciplined as they in following the law, they were condemned, or looked down upon by the righteous pharisees.
the pharisees' sin was resisting god's change in their hearts, and instead of love, they followed the law out of obligation and tradition. God's x-ray vision could see their spiritual motivation, which was their own carnal mind, and unforgiveness.