Today Jesus is being very critical of the Pharisees and the scribes.  First, Jesus tells His listeners that they should observe the teachings of the Pharisees.  He has no problem with their teaching because their teachings are correct.  However, Jesus does not want His disciples to follow the example of the Pharisees.

The Pharisees were great teachers of the law.  There was one problem, however: many of the Pharisees did not practice what they preached.  The Pharisees bound up the people with many laws and wanted their disciples and students to practice all of the laws, but they did not always follow the laws themselves. 

The Pharisees also relished the regard and respect that was given to them due to their religious position.  Jesus saw all the outward signs of being religious that the Pharisees exhibited, yet Jesus questioned their motivation.  Did they simply enjoy the awe, esteem, and perks that were given to them or were they sincerely and deeply spiritual? 

Jesus instructs His disciples that their role is to serve the people – not to be served.  

We also are the beloved of God, and as the beloved of God, we also need to live by God’s law of love. Service is a great gift to give others. Most of the time our service consists of small daily tasks or actions.  However in this process, perhaps the true gift is noticing another’s need and then reaching out to serve in a loving way! 

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