THIS SUNDAY SCHOOL OVERVIEW FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LESSON EACH WEEK. BIBLICAL TRANSLATIONS WILL VARY, BUT THE MAIN RESOURCE WILL BE THE TOWNSEND PRESS SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMENTARY, 97th EDITION. THIS FEATURE IS DESIGNED TO BE OF HELP TO THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND THEIR LOCAL CHURCH AND/OR SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Lesson Title: JESUS CRITICIZES UNJUST LEADERS
Adult/Young Adult Topic: Practice What You Teach
Printed Text: Matthew 23:1-8, 23-26
Key Verse: Matthew 23:2-3 (NIV) The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
Source: Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary – 97th Edition, 2017-2018
UNIFYING LESSON PRINCIPLE: We encounter leaders who expect people to do one thing while they themselves do something else. Is there a fair response to such an expectation? Jesus challenged unjust leaders to change or experience destruction.
CONCLUDING REFLECTION: While this passage of Scripture takes aim at the first-century religious leaders, it also takes aim at our hearts, especially for those who are leaders in the church today. Jesus critiques false religion and distorted spirituality—and the critique is not just for His first-century hearers, but for us as well. As leaders, we must practice those things we teach and preach. We must be “doers” of the Word and not hearers only.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, please remove from us the hypocritical spirit of judgment and condemnation of others. Grant unto us hearts that are generous and forgiving of people when they fail. And please grant unto us a measure of grace for our own shortcomings. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sunday School Review “Jesus Criticizes Unjust Leaders” was originally published on 955thelou.com
