Matthew 23:1-12

Religious Hypocrites Denounced

1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples:

2 "The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses. ^[a]

3 Therefore do whatever they tell you and observe [it]. But don't do what they do, ^[b] because they don't practice what they teach.

4 They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry ^[c] and put them on people's shoulders, but they themselves aren't willing to lift a finger ^[d] to move them.

5 They do everything ^[e] to be observed by others: They enlarge their phylacteries ^[f] and lengthen their tassels. ^[g]

6 They love the place of honor at banquets, the front seats in the synagogues,

7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi' by people.

8 "But as for you, do not be called 'Rabbi,' because you have one Teacher, ^[h] and you are all brothers.

9 Do not call anyone on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is in heaven.

10 And do not be called masters either, because you have one Master, ^[i] the Messiah.

11 The greatest among you will be your servant.

12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.