Matthew 23
Jesus is talking to the teachers of the law who are testing him.
What does it teach us about God?
It teaches us God can see into our hearts and He truly understands what it is that motivates our actions.
What does it teach us about Jesus?
Jesus is clearly moved and angered by the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and He clearly wants us / them to focus on justice, mercy and faithfulness (v23).
Response
The word ‘hypocrite’ comes from Ancient Greece meaning actor. The word describes actors in Greek plays who wore different masks for different roles. We need to drop the mask and be who God made us to be.
Our number one priority and motivation should come from loving God and seeking to glorify Him. If we lead humble lives God will exalt us; we don’t need to waste time worrying about anything else.
(Member of a homegroup)