I was driving through the countryside and came upon a ‘chain-gang’ of prisoners cleaning the roadside ditch. On each end of the work group was a prison guard holding a 12 gauge shotgun. The prisoners worked under the watchful eyes of the guards and did raise their heads as I drove by.
A few miles down the road I saw friends working alongside the road by the culvert of their driveway. It was a father and his son, working side-by-side. They turned, smiled and waved as I drove by.
Jesus said the religious leaders laid on the people a heavy burden of religious and social rules and regulations for daily life. Then they stood by and did not lift a finger to help the people fulfill these standards.
Jesus is contrasting the difference between living under the law and living under grace. The Apostle Paul defines living under grace this way: “God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.” (Philippians 2:13) Do you see the difference? Under law you work alone. Under grace God comes alongside of you and helps you.
Just up the road from the workers was Oak Grove Church. John Williams was the leader of that flock. Brother John he was called by his congregation and that was how he was referred to in the community as well. While that moniker might denote equality, or close loving relationships in other settings, that was not the case at Oak Grove. There was no doubt that all rule, authority and power in Oak Grove rested on his shoulders. Calling yourself brother does not necessarily mean you are humble.
When Jesus spoke of titles such as rabbi and teacher, he didn’t want to be taken literally. Not long after this some of his own followers would be called Apostle or Bishop or Deacon or Pastor or Teacher or Preacher. The difference is whether the title is used to denote function within the Body of Christ, or perceived status.
What does today’s reading reveal to you
about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change anything in your life?
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