In Short!

After Jesus had been questioned by the chief priests and elders of the people regarding His authority ( Matthew 21:23ff), by a group of Herodians and disciples of the Pharisees ( Matthew 22:15f), by the Sadducees ( Matthew 22:23f), and then an expert of the law sent by the Pharisees ( Matthew 22:34f), Jesus turned and asked some Pharisees a couple questions of His own. ( Matthew 22:41-465) After all this no one dared ask Him any more questions. ( Matthew 22:46) Though they had been very cunning in their questioning, no one had been able to trap Jesus with their questions or gain a response that could be used against Him. Following all this questioning, Jesus turned to His disciples and the crowds still gathered to hear His teaching and revealed something about these leaders.

At the beginning of a long chapter of woes Jesus began…
“(2) The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, (3) so practice and observe whatever they tell you -- but not what they do. For THEY PREACH, BUT DO NOT PRACTICE.” ( Matthew 23:2-3 ESV)

The scribes and Pharisees were familiar with the Law and the people were to observe and put INTO PRACTICE what they were taught in accordance with God’s Law. However, the example of these leaders was not to be imitated because, in short, they were not practicing what they preached! In trying to draw attention to themselves, these leaders made their phylacteries (folded parchment with a Scripture written on it and dangling in front of them) and fringes on their garments long ( Matthew 23:5), but were short on PRACTICING the principles as God intended. They walked around in long robes ( Mark 12:38) but fell short of wearing the righteousness of godly leadership. Jesus also stated that for a pretense they made long prayers ( Mark 12:40), but they were apparently short on drawing to God with a sincere heart. Due to their focus being placed more on what men thought of them than God’s view, they, in short, would “receive the greater condemnation.” ( Mark 12:40)

Someone has noted, “The man who practices what he preaches is generally noted for short, simple sermons.” [source: list of sentence sermons] As we continue to study God’s Word we should seek for the ways in which those principles can be put INTO PRACTICE in daily life. Each act can literally be a short sermonette illustrating our practical understanding of God’s Will, our seriousness of striving to please Him, and have the potential to help others understand the wisdom of His Way as well. In short, may His truth that we say be THE PRACTICE for each day.

Have a great day BEING LONG ON SINCERITY TOWARD GOD’S WILL!
Carl

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