Matthew 23:5-12
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. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
A phylactery is a small wooden box worn by Jewish rabbis upon their foreheads or hands. Inside it contains a scroll of scripture. The scripture written tells them to "write the word upon their forehead and upon their hands". Meaning to keep God's word in its place and priority.
In Jesus' day, the Pharisees took it to another level. They began to make these boxes larger and larger. Being seen of men was their objective. They wanted the recognition and prestige.
Just the other night me and my family were watching the Bible series that the History Channel put out. A Jewish rabbi came across the screen and my son asked, "What's that? A GoPro?" Hahaha. (If you don't know what a GoPro is, it is a camera that bike riders, skateboarders, extreme sports people wear on their heads). I couldn't stop laughing about it. Because it seemed so silly, but became so true.
The slogan for the GoPro is... "Be A Hero". See the Pharisees wanted to be the heroes. They couldn't stand for anyone to receive praise but them. This should not be found in the life of a Christian. As Christians, we should desire all praise to go unto Jesus.
Jesus, and only Jesus, is our hero! He is worthy of our praise. He is also deserving of our praise. We should mimic Him.
Philippians 2:7-11
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
