Matthew 23:1-7 ▼

1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples,

2 saying: “The scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses’ chair [of authority as teachers of the Law];

3 so practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do as they do; for they preach [things], but do not practice them.

4 The scribes and Pharisees tie up heavy loads [that are hard to bear] and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger [to make them lighter].

5 They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries (tefillin) wide [to make them more conspicuous] and make their tassels long.

6 They love the place of distinction and honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [those on the platform near the scrolls of the Law, facing the congregation],

7 and to be greeted [with respect] in the market places and public forums, and to have people call them Rabbi.