Moment of Meditation: Seeking Honor (Matthew 23:5-7)

''They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others (Matthew 23:5-7).''

Pharisees are the best known class of hypocrites. They make themselves look good so they don't have to worry about doing much. They were the Kardashians of the Jewish religious scene. Everything was grandiose and made to bring attention to themselves. The more attention and prestige they had in town, the more they were loved and honored by the people.

Jesus had witnessed them clamoring for their spots at the great banquets held by people in the towns He visited. He saw and was disgusted by it. Telling this parable, "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:8-11).

Do not seek honor. Let honor be bestowed upon you because of your character. Be humble with the honor and God will exalt you on the Last Day. Amen.