The Humble will be Exalted – 5 November 2023

In one way or another, all of this week’s readings address issues of leadership and humility. Some of the texts focus only on good leadership, leaving readers to deduce its opposite, while others are explicit in their condemnation of bad leaders who are arrogant and deceptive. Rather than focus too closely on the identity of the bad leaders, it is beneficial to consider the example set by the good leaders in these texts—Joshua, Micah, Paul, and Jesus—and the lessons in love, humility and reliance upon God that they offer. —Jonathan D. Lawrence

Matthew 23:1–12

Many Christians have read this passage as a blanket condemnation of all Jews for all time, but . . . the criticisms are leveled at specific Jewish groups, not the entire people. . . Further, Jesus’ statements honor the Pharisees who “sit on Moses’ seat” and their teachings, even as he condemns their behavior: “Therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach” (23:2–3).

. . . Much of Jesus’ teaching has parallels in pharasaic and later rabbinic thought. In this light, the gospel presents an internal debate, not an outright rejection of the Pharisees. See the reading from Micah below for a comparable case of criticizing the leaders without rejecting the community. . . The fundamental point is a condemnation of hypocrisy—a common human flaw, not limited to the groups mentioned in this passage.

In contrast to hypocrisy and self-promotion, Jesus gives several instructions concerning humility and leadership. . . He calls for humility (“The greatest among you will be your servant,” 23:11) and suggests that individual status will ultimately be reversed (“All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted,” 23:12). This reversal echoes the changes outlined in the Beatitudes and elsewhere in the gospels. These concerns of humility and proper leadership are central to several of the other readings for today. —Jonathan D. Lawrence

Micah 3:5–12

Micah condemns the corrupt leaders of Israel—rulers, prophets and priests—for doing the opposite of what they should. . . Micah warns them of their individual punishments and the destruction they will bring on the entire nation.

In contrast, he says “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin” (3:8). In light of this text, it becomes easier to see how Jesus could criticize his contemporaries so viciously without necessarily rejecting their entire tradition. —Jonathan D. Lawrence

1 Thessalonians 2:9–13

In last week’s reading, Paul spoke of preaching by his actions and example, not just his words. This week, he elaborates on those actions and his style of leadership—working tirelessly, giving of himself, supporting himself so as not to be a burden, and caring for the community as if they were family. —Jonathan D. Lawrence

Jonathan D. Lawrence, an American Baptist Church ordained minister, teaches Religious Studies and Theology at Canisius College, Buffalo, New York.

Homily Service 38, no. 11 (2005): 53–65