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Profylassomai
When Jesus speaks in this verse I think it was as much for the people listening as it was for the disciples. Jesus gives us all a warning and says “BEWARE”(profylassomai).
Beware that you do not become like these teachers who esteem themselves. These teachers who have placed great value on the way they appear in public, and on who notices them. While they are concerned with how important they have become, they are missing out on this relationship with Jesus. Jesus was with them and yet they chose to ignore him. It is not about the flowing robes and people knowing who you are, it is about knowing Jesus. I am angry and jealous that they had Jesus physically there and they chose to ignore him, they missed that he was the fulfillment of the law that they so highly regarded. And yet I do this too. The moment that I make practicing my faith about myself, I have done the same thing. When I am more concerned with the appearance of my ministry, or how much recognition it will give me, that’s when I have traded relationship with Jesus for flowing robes and seats of honor.
Thanks for the great reminder, Audra! We miss you guys!!!
God, please bless the Hazelton family as they love on their neighbors and show them a glimpse of who you are. Please continue to open doors for them and place relationships in their path where they can love people the way You do!
Audra, thanks so much for sharing and for the words of caution. I, too, let myself trade in a relationship with Jesus for flowing robes. My flesh hangs on very tightly. Dying to myself is a daily battle that takes prayer and intentionality.
Lord, please help us all to denounce our flesh in exchange for a relationship with you. I lift up Audra, Jeremy & their family. Lord, work through them to accomplish your will. Protect them. Give them direction as they allow you to accomplish your will through them. In Jesus’ name.
Yesterday at CCC we were challenged to proclaim Jesus as Lord. Audra, I pray that you can shout Jesus to your neighbors.
Lord I pray today that I will walk humbly with you. That I will love each student one person at a time. I give this day to you.
You’re right!
It is all about Jesus.
Audra, I’m usually the first to jump on the self-depreciating band wagon. So I fully appreciate the inward look you take at this passage.
AND… Jesus warns us to beware of those who put on a show of godliness as though they are worthy of a special seat of honor. This is dicey, isn’t it? Aren’t we told to not “judge lest we be judged”. I think the point of view you’ve taken is correct. Judge inwardly BEFORE judging outwardly. But we are still cautioned to beware of the proud. And especially the proud who cloak themselves in religion. They are truly wolves dressed like sheep. And they are dangerous. The “beware” for me is two-fold: (a) beware I don’t become one of them and (b) beware of them because they hang legalistic burdens on people that are impossible to carry and result in spiritual discouragement and ultimate defeat. They are enemies of the gospel.
Thanks Audra for reminding us through the word about our focus. Especially for us that are on church staff. We often lose sight of Jesus due to budgets and programs and our own self effort. I need to hear this . As others have said we love the Hazeltons and miss you guys a ton.
ditto on what rob said… a ton!