September 7, 2026 - Matthew 23-25

Of those who opposed him, Jesus explained, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do.  For they preach, but do not practice.  They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.  They do all their deeds to be seen by others” (23:2-5).  In other situations, Jesus had illustrated his warnings about such hypocrisy.  For instance, he had condemned the Pharisee with all his self-righteous attitude on display as he approached the temple (Luke 18).  On the other hand, the humble and repentant tax collector went home justified before God.  In the sermon on the mount (Matthew 6), Jesus warned against praying with fancy words so that others might take account; rather, he sent the prayer into his closet where, quietly and simply before God, his prayer would be heard. 

If My people’s hearts are humbled

If they pray and seek My face

If they turn away from evil

I will not withhold My grace

I will hear their prayers from heaven

I will pardon every sin

If My people’s hearts are humbled

I will surely heal their land.

Then My eyes will see their sorrow

Then My ears will hear their plea

If My people’s hearts are humbled

I will set their nation free

If My people’s hearts are humbled

If they pray and seek My face

If they turn away from evil

I will not withhold My grace.   -- Claire Cloninger (1986)