Rejecting Jesus: The Need For Status
The fourth reason the religious leaders of Jesus’ day rejected him is they loved their status. These religious leaders turned faith into performance art.
In Matthew 23:5-7 we can see Jesus speaking to this: "Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have people call them 'Rabbi.'" (Matthew 23:5-7)
Their phylacteries—small boxes containing Scripture meant to remind them of God's Word—became oversized advertisements of their devotion. Their prayer shawl tassels grew longer to attract attention. Every religious act became a stage production designed to win applause.
They loved walking through the crowded marketplaces, hearing people call out "Rabbi!" They craved the moment when crowds parted, when heads turned and whispers followed them. At the synagogue, they rushed to claim the front seats where everyone could see them. Their spirituality existed for the eyes of others.
In Matthew 6 Jesus exposed their prayer life: "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others". (Matthew 6:5). They didn't pray to meet with God. They prayed to be admired by men.
The same poison infected their fasting and their giving and their Torah study. Everything became a tool for reputation management. They wanted whispers about their holiness, fingers pointing them out, special treatment in every room.
They chose applause over truth. Recognition over righteousness. The glory of men over the glory of God.
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem and crowds shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David!", the Pharisees demanded He silence them (Luke 19:39). Why? Because the attention belonged to them. Jesus was stealing their spotlight.
And of course this is still a problem today. A pastor can preach orthodox doctrine while secretly craving his congregation's admiration. An elder can serve faithfully while nursing a need to be seen as the wisest voice. A teacher can handle Scripture accurately while building a personal brand.
Jesus calls us to something radically different. "When you are invited, take the lowest place". (Luke 14:10). Not the seat where everyone can see you. The lowest place.
The path to true greatness runs downward. Jesus "[Jesus] made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant". (Philippians 2:7). He had every right to status, yet He chose obscurity. He deserved honor, yet He embraced humiliation. He walked past every seat of honor to die on a criminal's cross.
And God exalted Him. Not because He grasped for position, but because He let it go.
When we crave recognition, we reveal that we're still living for the approval of people. Building kingdoms that won’t last seems to tempt all of us.
Remember: Jesus calls us from the spotlight to the cross, where true honor comes from serving, not being served – just like the One we follow.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus fill your heart with His approval alone.
Father, You alone deserve all honor and glory. Forgive me for craving the applause of people. Thank You for Jesus, who humbled Himself to the point of death. Cause us to understand humility and to know that You see, and that's enough. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Song: Why This Fear?