10-16-2021, 02:10 PM
Jesus continues contrasting Covenant faith against the Talmudic religious perversions.
The Covenant required being generous to your own people. We would call it "charity" today; not just money, but other stuff and assistance that people need. Those who were unable to work and earn a living would cluster in high traffic areas to beg. They seldom got more than a single copper coin from anyone. But there were other poor people who worked, but could never get ahead. Both groups might, on certain festival days receive a single portion of bread, occasionally a whole meal, and sometimes people were known to give them clothing and blankets. Lawyers and judges from time to time might offer legal assistance days, working without the usual fees. This was all according to the Law of Moses.
Jesus points out that there were far too many who performed such acts of charity only in order to put on a show. Some would have an entourage parading along, and quite literally sounded a trumpet. The pretense was letting the beggars know they are coming, but the real intent was to show off. Jesus said we should try to keep it private. Nobody but God needs to know about it. You can be sure He's keeping track of your obedient heart, and will reward you in ways that witness to the meaning of shalom.
When the hour of Temple prayer came around, it was common for the Scribes and Pharisees to make sure they were caught out in some public place, instead of going to the actual Temple. They would then stop and make a big show of praying. Oh, such holy men! That's what they wanted you to think. Jesus said that, if you are going to plan your prayer times like that and know you can't be in the Temple, then find some private place. The idea is to meet with God, not a bunch of other people.
In both cases, the hypocritical show is the end of their rewards. It might get you the admiration of other fools, but certainly not God's. God can see what's in your heart. He's most impressed when you aren't trying to get anyone's attention but His. And when you have it, He tends to do things that glorify His name. That means His response will be publicly in your favor. You get to share in His glory.
Another thing was the showy eloquent prayers, or poetic repetition. Jesus said that's what pagans do, under the false impression that a dead idol will be more likely to hear if the worshiper makes enough noise for long enough, repeating the same thing over and over. It's all based on human accomplishment. If you want to be disciplined about it, keep it simple.
Then Jesus went on to reinforce the one thing that would drive a stake through the heart of hypocrisy: If you cannot forgive -- if you keep collecting IOUs over the mistakes of others -- then you won't have room to receive the great forgiveness of the Father.
The Covenant required being generous to your own people. We would call it "charity" today; not just money, but other stuff and assistance that people need. Those who were unable to work and earn a living would cluster in high traffic areas to beg. They seldom got more than a single copper coin from anyone. But there were other poor people who worked, but could never get ahead. Both groups might, on certain festival days receive a single portion of bread, occasionally a whole meal, and sometimes people were known to give them clothing and blankets. Lawyers and judges from time to time might offer legal assistance days, working without the usual fees. This was all according to the Law of Moses.
Jesus points out that there were far too many who performed such acts of charity only in order to put on a show. Some would have an entourage parading along, and quite literally sounded a trumpet. The pretense was letting the beggars know they are coming, but the real intent was to show off. Jesus said we should try to keep it private. Nobody but God needs to know about it. You can be sure He's keeping track of your obedient heart, and will reward you in ways that witness to the meaning of shalom.
When the hour of Temple prayer came around, it was common for the Scribes and Pharisees to make sure they were caught out in some public place, instead of going to the actual Temple. They would then stop and make a big show of praying. Oh, such holy men! That's what they wanted you to think. Jesus said that, if you are going to plan your prayer times like that and know you can't be in the Temple, then find some private place. The idea is to meet with God, not a bunch of other people.
In both cases, the hypocritical show is the end of their rewards. It might get you the admiration of other fools, but certainly not God's. God can see what's in your heart. He's most impressed when you aren't trying to get anyone's attention but His. And when you have it, He tends to do things that glorify His name. That means His response will be publicly in your favor. You get to share in His glory.
Another thing was the showy eloquent prayers, or poetic repetition. Jesus said that's what pagans do, under the false impression that a dead idol will be more likely to hear if the worshiper makes enough noise for long enough, repeating the same thing over and over. It's all based on human accomplishment. If you want to be disciplined about it, keep it simple.
Quote:O Father who dwells in Heaven, Your reputation is sacred.
Build Your Kingdom in our hearts. May we learn to obey your wishes the way angels do.
Provide for our needs just enough to keep us loyal and dependent.
Forgive our failures in accordance with how forgiving we are of others' failures.
Teach us to avoid unnecessary suffering, and keep us from the Devil's clutches.
You rule over all; Your power and glory are without limits. Amen!
Then Jesus went on to reinforce the one thing that would drive a stake through the heart of hypocrisy: If you cannot forgive -- if you keep collecting IOUs over the mistakes of others -- then you won't have room to receive the great forgiveness of the Father.