This actually happened several years ago in a post-season baseball telecast. The announcers were talking about the grandstanding tendencies of one of the star Yankee players.
The dialogue went something like this:
Are you trying to say he’s a big ‘hotdog?’
Yes well, let’s put it this way. There’s not enough mustard in New York City to cover him!
This is exactly Jesus’ assessment of the religious leaders of His day. And He even points out a few of their self-promoting, self-aggrandizing ways:
1.Everything they do is for men to see.
2.They use fancy religious dress to distinguish themselves.
3.They seek the places of honor.
4.They like to be called ‘Teacher.’
5.They don’t practice what they preach.
Are you saying this is hotdog religion? Let’s put it this way: there’s not enough mustard in Jerusalem to cover them!
Today things really haven’t changed that much. You know why? Because people haven’t changed that much!
Be sure about this one thing though. Hotdog religion can’t change us for the better. Only hurt us.
You have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Jesus is the only Teacher who ever practiced everything He preached!
The Pharisees made their phylacteries wide and their tassles long - to be noticed.
ReplyDeleteJesus made no spectacle of himself - and told many people after he had done wonderful things not to tell anyone.
The Pharisees sought titles, and positions of power.
Jesus served his disciples, and the people.
The Pharisees tied up heavy loads they weren't willing to help carry.
Jesus says, come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Which would you rather follow?