365 Days in the Gospels and Spirit of Prophecy
Fake Faith Called Out — September 27 [Description]
Bible discovery
Matthew 23:1-12 365D 270.1
1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 365D 270.2
2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 365D 270.3
3 Therefore whatever they tell you [a] to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 365D 270.4
4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 365D 270.5
5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 365D 270.6
6 They love the [b] best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 365D 270.7
7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 365D 270.8
8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your [c] Teacher, [d] the Christ, and you are all brethren. 365D 270.9
9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 365D 270.10
10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 365D 270.11
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 365D 270.12
12 And whoever exalts himself will be [e] humbled, and he who humbles himself will be [f] exalted. 365D 270.13
Mark 12:38-40 365D 270.14
38 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, 365D 270.15
39 the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 365D 270.16
40 who devour widows’ houses, and [n] for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” 365D 270.17
Luke 20:45-47 365D 270.18
45 Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, 365D 270.19
46 “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 365D 270.20
47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” 365D 270.21
Spirit of Prophecy Reading
The Desire of Ages pp.610-613: 365D 270.22
This chapter is based on Matthew 23; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 20:45-47; Luke 21:1-4. 365D 270.23
It was the last day of Christ's teaching in the temple. Of the vast throngs that were gathered at Jerusalem, the attention of all had been attracted to Him; the people had crowded the temple courts, watching the contest that had been in progress, and they eagerly caught every word that fell from His lips. Never before had such a scene been witnessed. There stood the young Galilean, bearing no earthly honor or royal badge. Surrounding Him were priests in their rich apparel, rulers with robes and badges significant of their exalted station, and scribes with scrolls in their hands, to which they made frequent reference. Jesus stood calmly before them, with the dignity of a king. As one invested with the authority of heaven, He looked unflinchingly upon His adversaries, who had rejected and despised His teachings, and who thirsted for His life. They had assailed Him in great numbers, but their schemes to ensnare and condemn Him had been in vain. Challenge after challenge He had met, presenting the pure, bright truth in contrast to the darkness and errors of the priests and Pharisees. He had set before these leaders their real condition, and the retribution sure to follow persistence in their evil deeds. The warning had been faithfully given. Yet another work remained for Christ to do. Another purpose was still to be accomplished. 365D 270.24
“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for One is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called master: for One is your Master, even Christ.” In such plain words the Saviour revealed the selfish ambition that was ever reaching for place and power, displaying a mock humility, while the heart was filled with avarice and envy. When persons were invited to a feast, the guests were seated according to their rank, and those who were given the most honorable place received the first attention and special favors. The Pharisees were ever scheming to secure these honors. This practice Jesus rebuked. 365D 270.25
He also reproved the vanity shown in coveting the title of rabbi, or master. Such a title, He declared, belonged not to men, but to Christ. Priests, scribes, and rulers, expounders and administrators of the law, were all brethren, children of one Father. Jesus impressed upon the people that they were to give no man a title of honor indicating his control of their conscience or their faith. 365D 270.26
If Christ were on earth today, surrounded by those who bear the title of “Reverend” or “Right Reverend,” would He not repeat His saying, “Neither be ye called masters: for One is your Master, even Christ”? The Scripture declares of God, “Holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9. To what human being is such a title befitting? How little does man reveal of the wisdom and righteousness it indicates! How many of those who assume this title are misrepresenting the name and character of God! Alas, how often have worldly ambition, despotism, and the basest sins been hidden under the broidered garments of a high and holy office! The Saviour continued: 365D 270.27
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Again and again Christ had taught that true greatness is measured by moral worth. In the estimation of heaven, greatness of character consists in living for the welfare of our fellow men, in doing works of love and mercy. Christ the King of glory was a servant to fallen man. 365D 270.28