Topical Bible: Salutations: The Pharisees Condemned for Seeking, in Public

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently addresses the behavior and attitudes of the Pharisees, a prominent religious group in Jewish society during His earthly ministry. One of the criticisms He levies against them is their desire for public recognition and honor, particularly through salutations in public places. This behavior is highlighted as a reflection of their hypocrisy and misplaced priorities.

Biblical Context

The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. They held significant influence over the religious life of the Jewish people. However, Jesus often rebuked them for their external displays of piety that masked an inner spiritual void. One such rebuke is found in the Gospel of Matthew:

"They love the place of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed" (Matthew 23:6-7).

In this passage, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their love of public recognition and the esteem of men. Their desire for salutations in the marketplaces and titles of respect reveals a deeper issue of pride and self-exaltation.

Theological Implications

The Pharisees' pursuit of public salutations is emblematic of a broader spiritual problem: the prioritization of human approval over divine approval. Jesus warns against this behavior, emphasizing that true righteousness is not about outward appearances but about the condition of the heart. The Pharisees' actions serve as a cautionary example of how religious practices can become corrupted when they are performed for the sake of human recognition rather than genuine devotion to God.

Jesus' Teaching on Humility

In contrast to the Pharisees' desire for public honor, Jesus teaches His followers to seek humility and servanthood. He instructs them to avoid titles and positions that elevate one above another, emphasizing that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is marked by humility and service:

"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 your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:8-12).

Practical Application

The condemnation of the Pharisees for seeking public salutations serves as a timeless reminder for believers to examine their own motives in religious and social practices. It challenges Christians to pursue authenticity in their faith, ensuring that their actions are driven by a desire to honor God rather than to gain the approval of others. This teaching encourages a focus on inner transformation and a commitment to humility, aligning one's life with the values of the kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 23:7
And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 12:38
And he said to them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Leadership for Service
... seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the ... The invective against the scribes
and Pharisees (Matt.23 ... who exercised power in the way Christ condemned. ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter vii leadership for service.htm

The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... He is self-condemned. ... ye love the chief seats in the synagogues, and the salutations
in the ... Therefore Jesus pronounced a woe upon the Pharisees for tithing the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first stages ch.htm