NOTES for Mat 23:1-12

Before us are the Teacher, His disciples, and the people thirsting for answers to their many questions. Jesus addresses the problem of spiritual authority. People are surrounded by a variety of “teachers”: Pharisees, Sadducees, and so on. They very much want to understand who is right and whom they should follow. This desire is inherent in every person: to know where truth lies, where things are better, and with whom one stands to gain more, especially when one’s own salvation is at stake. Describing the situation that has arisen, Jesus explains how it should be met. Without rejecting the teaching of the Pharisees, He warns the people—which means us—against their behavior; see also Matt. 16:6. Does it happen that we speak beautiful and correct words, giving someone advice or instruction, while remaining so far from putting them into practice ourselves? And how difficult it can be to realize that this is so... Then there is the pride of having helped, offered advice, and of being “such a proper person” oneself... Jesus brings the discussion of teachers down to the fact that all are equal before God. More than that, the one Father makes us brothers and sisters. Only the law of love—Matt. 23:11—is worthy of being the model for relations between us.