Matthew 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Have you ever tried to follow someone who did not know where they were going? Or maybe you tried to obey someone who didn’t do what they commanded. Maybe you have a coach who was really out of shape but every day he made you run a mile. Maybe you’ve had a doctor who smoked or did not take care of basic health. Or, maybe you know of a preacher who said a lot of good things but did not live those things in his own life. There are two elements to consider here, authority and example.
In Matthew 23 the Bible says, “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.” “Moses’ seat” is a position, like the principal’s office, that is both a location and a position of authority.
The verse continues, “All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” Notice the phrase “say and do not.” “Say” would represent the authority. What does the Law of Moses say and what are the Pharisees passing along? Then, what do they do? What example are they giving and is that something that can be followed?
It is kind of like the dad who says to his kids, “Do what I say and not what I do.” That just doesn’t work, not as it should. The best leaders follow the right master. Every leader follows somebody, and everyone is in some kind of chain of command. We often love to use authority, but we do not like to accept authority over us; both are related. The best leaders follow the right master.
Notice two different leaders who were in stark contrast. One was the Pharisees themselves. The Bible says they did what they did “for to be seen of men.” They wanted the uppermost rooms. They loved greetings in the markets. The bottom line is that they liked to be seen. They liked the best places and fancy titles. The problem was they were not following authority themselves. Jesus says, “Be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.”
I have a better perspective on other people when I have the right perspective on the Lord Jesus. What about the Lord Jesus as a leader? The Bible tells us in Matthew 20:28 that He “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” He came to serve and to do the will of the Father, and that is what I want to do. Follow the example of Jesus and you will not lead other people astray.