Q In Matthew 23:23, Jesus sternly warned saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others." At the time of Jesus the religious leaders of the Jews kept the Law very strictly. But they were rebuked and warned by Jesus. What are the meanings of the terms justice, mercy, and faithfulness?
A The scribes and Pharisees kept not just the Law, but also the traditions of the elders very strictly. They also studied the Law and taught the people. They kept the Law so strictly that in case of tithes, they counted even the leaves and stems of little vegetables. However, they wanted to boast that they were keeping the commandments of God very well rather than keeping them with love for God. They studied the Law to keep it literally, but they forsook justice, mercy, and faithfulness, which form the fundamental spirit of the Law.
In Matthew 23, Jesus sternly reprimanded the scribes and the Pharisees as many as seven times, even saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" Jesus openly pointed out their greed, dissipation, and lawlessness hidden in their hypocrisy and reproved them for it. He compared them with 'blind men who lead blind men' or 'brood of vipers' or 'whitewashed tombs'. He scolded them strictly with the heart of God and called for repentance. However they did not repent, but instead they stood against Jesus, thereby going the way of destruction for they did not understand the heart of God in giving them the Law.
Justice-'To Follow the Thing that is Right'
In this world, there are standards to discern between the right act and wrong act, such as morals or social standards. Some people always choose the side that is right according to these standards. However, children of God will choose the right way according to the Law of God and the standards of justice. It's because sometimes the standards of the world are not in agreement with those of God.
The Pharisees and scribes were very righteous on the outside, according to the standards of the Law. In their deeds, they kept the commands of God very strictly. But inside, they always thought about how they could receive recognition and respect from the people. They were hypocritical because they only tried to appear righteous before men.
Namely, their hearts were filled with unrighteousness. Also, when they were fasting, they contorted their faces to let other people know. On the outside, they seemed to be meditating on the Word of God, praying, and fasting. But, in their hearts they didn't have righteousness which is the willingness to follow the right thing.
Those who practice righteousness before God will have the same deeds regardless of the situations or circumstances. Whether others see them or not, whether they are in a high position or not, or whether it is beneficial or harmful for them at the moment, they just follow what is right according to the Word. It's because they are always conscious of God, and not men. Thus, they can act with righteous hearts in every circumstance and please God.
Mercy-'Love and Generosity'
In John chapter 8, the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman before Jesus accusing her. John 8:4-5 says, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?"
It was a right thing to stone her according to the Law of the Old Testament. But in their hearts there were only the cunningness to test Jesus and the condemnation that condemned her. They did not have any trace of mercy or compassion of God towards sinners.
Jesus lamented that the Pharisees and the scribes did not have such love and generosity. God wants to save just one more soul. If we have any trace of this love of God, we would have mercy on such souls, too. James 2:13 says, "Mercy triumphs over judgment." According to the Law, sinners must be put to death. But our God forgave us of our sins by sacrificing His only begotten Son Jesus. He showed to us mercy and love that go beyond justice.
If we completely cultivate mercy in our hearts, we will keep the Law of God, and we will only show goodness to our neighbors. Furthermore, we do our basic duties of men in our lives, give love and generosity, and give out the fragrance of the Christ.
Faithfulness-'Our faith towards God'
Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." In keeping the commandments of God, we first have to believe that God is alive. We also have to believe that God rewards us when we keep His commands.
The Pharisees and scribes thought they believed in God, but they did not truly believe. They kept the commandments, but they had only the external service to be recognized by others. Namely, they did not acknowledge God who was searching the depths of their hearts. If they had really believed in God from the heart, they would have then believed in God, who rewards good deeds, and they would have practiced righteousness with hope.
God allows for better heavenly places to those who will take hold of them by force (Matthew 11:12). When we learn the Word of God and pray, we have to look up to this God and believe in God who will reward us. Then, we can cast away sins and work faithfully with joy. It's because we know our place is being constructed in a better heavenly place and there are more rewards being stored up.
When we keep God's commands with this faith and joy, we can enjoy blessings both in spirit and body and lead a blessed life where nothing is impossible.
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