THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
The Teacher: 23,1-12
Matthew has greatly developed Mark's sharp criticism (Mk 12,38-40) which speaks only of scribes without the Pharisees. In Mark the crowd were listening "with delight" (Mk 12,37); Matthew is clearer that Jesus is now speaking to both the crowd and the disciples.
The first part of the chapter leads into an exhortation (23,8-12). This is shown by the change to "you" with an introductory "but" in verse 8.
Such an exhortation together with the presence of the disciples may well be a reminder that the woes that follow are not just about the scribes and Pharisees. The Christian community will also be prone to the same attitudes and need the same warning. This exhortation therefore changes the tone of the discourse by providing some positive teaching for Jesus' disciples as a background.
The Seat of Moses: 23,1-7
The scribes and Pharisees are Matthew's way of describing the Jewish leaders who oppose and refuse to accept the message of Jesus. Scribes were learned in the Law and Pharisees were punctilious in their observance of the law. Here they are portrayed as stereotypes of those who refuse the teaching of Jesus. "Seat or Chair of Moses" is an obscure expression but here it must indicate their authority as teachers in Israel.
Thus verse 3 appears to contradict other sayings such as the woes which follow or Jesus' comments in the boat (16,11-12). There is however a different context here which is about accepting their authority even if they do not practise what they preach. Verse 3 seems a good definition of hypocrisy, a favourite word for Matthew.
Verse 4 recalls the lightness of Jesus' own burden in 11,28-30. "Yoke" there refers to the Jewish law.
The behaviour described in these verses recalls the criticisms of Jesus when making his comments about alms, prayer and fasting in the Sermon on the Mount (6,1-6.16-18). What is done in secret will be rewarded by the heavenly Father.
Deuteronomy 6,4-9 is the prayer which continues to be recited daily by Jews. Numbers 15,38-39 links the cloak fringes to keeping the commandments. In both cases, the external is a reminder of the internal commitment.
The letter of James (Jas 2,2-4) makes the point nicely about the different treatment of rich and poor. Rabbi was originally a title of honour but in verse 8, Matthew understands rabbi to mean teacher (which is its meaning in our own times).
Exhortation: 23,8-12
Verse 8 begins with a "but" as a link to what precedes. Jesus is the one teacher, all in the Christian community are equally brothers and sisters. (As so often, the NRSV's attempt at inclusivity with "student" fails badly.) The reference to Jeremiah (Jer 31,33-34) puts this true teaching in the setting of the new covenant which is so important for the New Testament.
"Heavenly Father" echoes through the Sermon on the Mount chapter 6 (as noted above).
The Greek in verse 10 means "guide" or "leader". That may be the best translation to avoid repeating "teacher" in verse 8. The Messiah is our leader and guide. (Again "instructor" in the NRSV is not satisfactory. In modern Greek, the word means Professor.)
The importance of service runs throughout the New Testament as here in verse 11.
Verse 12 echoes a Proverb, Prov 29,23, on pride and humility. Jesus has already pointed out to the disciples just what service means (20,24-28).
This exhortation presents a remarkably egalitarian ideal for the Christian community. In practice as with any human community, organisation would soon be required. We need human teachers, leaders, fathers, to make present in the community the one teacher, the one leader, the one Father. Yet all must always be servants of each other (23,11-12).
Now return to the main page.
The Sunday Gospel
The prophet Malachi in the traditional Bible (Catholic and Protestant) is the last book of the OT; it therefore comes immediately before the Gospel of Matthew.
This particular extract from Malachi has been carefully edited so it needs to be read in the Bible itself.
The subtitles in italics for both the Gospel and the reading from Malachi stress the importance of teaching.
Now return to continue our reading with the woes.