Matthew 23:6 Commentary and Bible Study

Christ gives three evidences that all they do is done to be seen of men, the first in the previous verse: ‘They make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments.’ A phylactery was a box containing texts of Scripture, strapped to the arm or forehead. It was supposed to indicate that the individual had the word of God close to his thinking at all times, but, as usual, the external symbol became detached from the reality, and the opposite was true. Having concentrated on what men can see, and not on what God alone can see, they invested more in the same worthless stock. Because the scribes and Pharisees were supposed to be immersed in the word of God, they polished their image and widened their phylacteries without any corresponding increase in their attention to God’s word. Similarly their distinctive clothing was enlarged, on the assumption that this would attract even more attention from their admirers.‘And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues.’ With no doubt feign humility, they occupy their seats, caring greatly that they did not lose the honour associated with it. Life for the religious hypocrite is a spiritual beauty pageant. They are unable to get down to the business of studying what truly pleases God, because their eyes are glued to themselves. They continually make comparisons with others, and in their minds they rise no higher than wanting to appear greater than their fellows, and to be exalted above them. What an inadequate goal they set themselves! What have they achieved even if they attaint that goal, for the estimation of men will be swept away at the last day by God who sees what no man can see, and takes account of things that are far more meaningful than anything that human observation has access to.‘And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.’ They love their office and would not part with it. The pleasure of being seen in public comes from the outward expressions of honour that they will receive from others. This is what they anticipate even before they go out, and the disappointment of not receiving it is a source of great sorrow and disturbance of heart. There is often much pretence involved in the hypocrite’s conduct, for he knows what he ought to be, and is not incapable of putting on a show of humility even while he is lapping up human praise.