They want to sit in the best seats in the meeting places. They choose the most important places at special meals.
Mark 12:39 EASY
In the realm of spirituality, hypocrisy stands as a dangerous adversary, capable of blinding hearts and distorting true intentions. Jesus, the ultimate teacher of righteousness, addressed the issue of hypocrisy head-on. So He says: “Be careful not to do the same as the teachers of God’s Law…” (v38). The Lord would not want us to fall into the same error as the men, therefore, we have His instructions for us to consider even today.
In a vivid depiction, He unveiled their desire for recognition, their love for external appearances, and their hunger for praise. Through these cautionary words, Jesus exposed the detrimental effects of hypocrisy and His inviting us to embark on a journey of authenticity and genuine righteousness, free from the shackles of pretence and ego.
They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called ‘Doctor’ and ‘Reverend.’
Matthew 23:6-7 MSG
The Bible says they love the place of honour. So, they want to sit in the ‘best’ seats. The Pharisees always want to place themselves in the spotlight where they can be seen. These people pose themselves to be more than they really are. They are boastful. The force at work in the background of their heart is not in right standing with the Lord. They always want to push their way into the place of prominence. Even at the dining table, they want to be where they would be best served.
Not only is this not pleasing to God because they are honouring themselves more than others which is not according to what the bible teaches in Romans 12:10 but it also shows that their action is not that of a humble heart.
Don’t work yourself into the spotlight; don’t push your way into the place of prominence. It’s better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted.
Proverbs 25:6-7 MSG
In conclusion, I believe it is sufficient to say that the kind of righteousness that God expects from us is far and above that of outward appearances and actions alone. It is that which is birth from the depth of our hearts. The kind that teaches others to do as you do and say. Therefore, the Lord Jesus is saying to you again that:
…unless your righteousness (your uprightness and your right standing with God) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:20
