Binding Heavy Burdens Without Helping - Matthew 23:4

Matthew the apostle wrote, “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not you after their works: for they say, and do not”, and in chapter twenty-three and verse four of his book Matthew shared how Jesus shared how the “scribes and Pharisees” “bind heavy burdens” upon people “but they themselves will not move them” where we read:

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

The verse reads, “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders;” Matthew began with the word, “for” which means “because, since and on account that” “they bind” which means “the scribes and Pharisees enchain and tie on” “heavy burdens” or “weighty, burdensome, severe and stern loads, rites, services and tasks” “and grievous to be borne” which means “and hard and oppressive to carry out”, “and lay them” or “add, set upon and impose the heavy burdens” “on men's shoulders” which means “upon the shoulders of people whether male or female”. Matthew shared how the “scribes and Pharisees” who were the “religious leaders” laid hard and oppressive tasks upon people.

The verse goes on to say, “but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Matthew continued with the word, “but” which means “nonetheless, moreover and” “they themselves” or “the scribes and Pharisees” “will not move them” which means “do not have in mind, intend, resolve or determine to cause to move or set in motion any activity” “with one of their fingers” or “using one single digit of their fingers”. Matthew shared how Jesus told the multitude and His disciples the “scribes and Pharisee” did nothing to help people to remove the “heavy burdens” they put upon them.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus exposed the “scribes and Pharisees” for the way they really acted. Although they “taught” good things, they did not live according to them, and they “bound” people with obligations according to their interpretation of the law and did nothing to help people with those “burdens”. God is a God of love and grace, and His desire is to bring every person into a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. All those who are wise will realize the “grace and mercy” of God extends to everyone, and should a person feel they are put under “heavy burdens”, let them hear and understand Jesus' words, “Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. (See Matthew 11:28)

Next time we see Matthew write how Jesus said, “all their works they do for to be seen of men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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