Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Matthew 23

In the final stages of the Savior's life's mission, He condemns what He calls "hypocrites", saying -

"...do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not." (New Testament | Matthew 23:3)

In the language of our day, it seems that hypocrites lack in integrity and honesty, while all theirs works are that of selfishness. Some of the Savior's teachings on the matter include -

"...they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." (New Testament | Matthew 23:4)

"...all their works they do for to be seen of men..." (New Testament | Matthew 23:5)

"...[they] love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues..." (New Testament | Matthew 23:6)

"...ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." (New Testament | Matthew 23:13)

"...ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer..." (New Testament | Matthew 23:14)

"...ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith..." (New Testament | Matthew 23:23)

"Ye...strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel." (New Testament | Matthew 23:24)

"...ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess." (New Testament | Matthew 23:25)

And even -

"...ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." (New Testament | Matthew 23:28)

It is very clear how the Lord feels about hypocrites. He makes it clear what His doctrine is -

"...all ye are brethren." (New Testament | Matthew 23:8)

"...he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." (New Testament | Matthew 23:11)

This doctrine is what all should strive for.