NARRATOR: Jesus spoke to the crowd and his disciples.
JESUS 1: The scribes and the Pharisees have succeeded Moses as teachers. Therefore, do everything and observe everything they tell you. But do not follow their example. Their words are bold, but their deeds are few.
JESUS 2: They bind up heavy loads, hard to carry, to lay on other people’s shoulders, while they themselves will not lift a finger to budge them.
JESUS 3: All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and wear huge tassels. They are fond of places of honor at banquets and the front seats in synagogues, of marks of respect in public and of being called rabbi.
JESUS 1: As for you, avoid the title rabbi. One among you is your teacher, the rest are learners.
JESUS 2: Do not call anyone on earth your father. Only one is your father, the One in heaven.
JESUS 3: Avoid being called teachers. Only one is your teacher, the Messiah.
ALL: The greatest among you will be the one who serves the rest. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 23.1-12
Sunday Readings: Malachi 1.14; 2.2, 8-10; Thessalonians 2.7-9.3; Matthew 23.1-12