Message by Josh Mutter – March 2, 2025
BIG IDEA: Chasing appearances can cost us what really matters.
1. Faith should lift us up and not weigh us down.
Matthew 23:1-4 (NIV) Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them..
2. Wrong motivation will lead to a misunderstanding of faith.
Matthew 23:5-7 (NIV) Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.
3. The cross should define our approach to faith.
Matthew 23:8-12 (NIV) But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV) … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
4. Jesus loves us too much to simply go along.
Matthew 23:13 (NIV) Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
APPLICATION:
- MATURE CHRISTIANS: Am I living for Jesus, or just trying to look the part?
- CHRISTIAN LEADERS: Am I truly helping people know Jesus, or am I more concerned with appearances, influence, or recognition?
- NEW TO FAITH/EXPLORING FAITH: “Come to me … my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
You can listen to the sermon on YouTube here.
You can download discussion resources here: Lent #1
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