Who Was Matthew in the Bible?
The name Matthew means “given; a reward.” He was an apostle and evangelist, Son of Alpheus, a Galilean by birth, a Jew by religion and a publican and tax collector by profession (Mark 14, Luke 5:27, Matthew 9:9). He was called by other evangelists by his Hebrew name Levi, but always called himself Matthew.
Superficial Spirituality versus Genuine Humility
The Scribes & Pharisees exalt themselves and want honor and recognition for their position and standing as religious leaders. They make a boast about themselves in the way they wear their religious garments, they way they carry themselves in high minded arrogance, so they can appear to be someone before people and in the way the deem to be scholars of the Law of Moses. Yet their hearts are very hard toward actually following the heart of the law: to display love toward God and love toward your neighbor.
The Religious leaders were just like their ancestors the Children of Israel who in the desert, hardened their hearts toward God. Verse 37 is a perfect picture of the Father in that He will not tolerate sin, though He is merciful. He gave the Religious leaders and their ancestors time after time, wanting to renew them to Himself, but they were so hard-hearted that they refused. His mercy endures, but one must give account of their persistent, willful sin.
These prideful ideas have blinded the religious leaders who think they are capable, worthy guides of people they consider to be blind. True humility is not wanting to be exalted before others; true humility is wanting to be servant of others.
- Not to be prideful
- Make sure your walk matches your talk
- Value the gift over the house its in
- Persistent sin will be your end
- Self-righteous sin is bred within
- The ill words you say will grow in a bad way
- In order to be an example you must first examine your heart
