Matthew 23:1–12

Jesus Characterizes the Pharisees

Mark 12:38–40; Luke 20:45–47

23Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, ²saying: ^a“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. ³Therefore whatever they tell you ¹to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for ^bthey say, and do not do. ^4cFor 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. ⁵But all their works they do to ^dbe seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. ^6eThey love the ²best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, ⁷greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ ^8fBut you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your ³Teacher, ⁴the Christ, and you are all brethren. ⁹Do not call anyone on earth your father; ^gfor One is your Father, He who is in heaven. ¹⁰And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. ¹¹But ^hhe who is greatest among you shall be your servant. ¹²ⁱAnd whoever exalts himself will be ⁵humbled, and he who humbles himself will be ⁶exalted.