Our scripture this week is Matthew 23:1-12.
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father–the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Jesus says we must all be students, no matter what our experience or position. Those who think they know everything become inflexible and intolerant of anything that might contradict their opinion. Jesus says there is no end to our learning and we must always be open to the truth God has for us.
This doesn’t just mean newly discovered things, often it is a reminder of very old things we may have forgotten. Jesus said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). He wants us to remember what God has promised from the very beginning.
Above all, God is constant and consistent. His love for us and His law are unchanging. He calls us to see and understand things which may seem new to us, but have always been part of His plan.
Loving Lord, we often close our minds to things we don’t want to deal with or things we don’t understand. Help us to learn the lessons You have for us and use them to show others Your love. Amen.