Matthew 23: 1-12 All who humble themselves will be exalted

GOSPEL MATTHEW 23:1-12

1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat;3therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father — the one in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.11The greatest among you will be your servant. 12All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

  • Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
  • Sit in silent meditation 5 to 15 minutes paying attention to the breath.
  • Remember a time you humbled yourself.
  • Where did you find the strength to humble yourself.
  • Where did you notice this strength in your body.
  • How did you feel?
  • As you look back upon this time, do you see God?
  • Where was God at work?
  • Is there a message for you in this remembrance?
  • Give thanks to God for this time in humble remembrance and for anything new that has been revealed to you.
  • Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, October 30, 2011,  the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Joshua 3:7-17
Psalm 107: 1-7, 33-37
I Thessalonians: 2:9-13
Matthew 23:1-12
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.
Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD

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