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.
3
Therefore do whatever they tell you and observe [it]. But don't do what they do, because they don't practice what they teach.
4
They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people's shoulders, but they themselves aren't willing to lift a finger to move them.
5
They do everything to be observed by others: They enlarge their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
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, 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, 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.