Burdensome Rules Versus Jesus' Life-Giving Grace
Daily Scripture
Matthew 23:1-4
1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and his disciples, 2 “The legal experts and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore, you must take care to do everything they say. But don’t do what they do. 4 For they tie together heavy packs that are impossible to carry. They put them on the shoulders of others, but are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.”
Daily Reflection & Prayer
Matthew said at the end of Holy Monday, “from that day forward nobody dared to ask him anything” (Matthew 22:46). Tuesday brought no more trick questions aimed at Jesus. But Jesus said a lot—and his words may seem uncharitable and divisive. Why did it matter to Jesus to speak the truth about the people who’d tried so hard to discredit him? One scholar said, “This is not mere name-calling, but a serious attempt to undercut their ability to lead the people down the wrong path (see Matthew 15:14; 23:16).”
- Why was the religious leaders’ way the “wrong path”? Scholar William Barclay said, “In so far as the Scribes and Pharisees teach reverence for God and respect for men, their teaching is… valid. But their whole outlook on religion…. made it a thing of thousands upon thousands of rules and regulations; and therefore it made it an intolerable burden…. Whenever religion becomes a burden, it ceases to be true religion.” ** Does your faith lighten your burdens or weigh you down?
- Jesus’ saw things differently. “Most of the population couldn’t read very well and certainly didn’t own their own copies of the scriptures, so they depended on the legal experts and the Pharisees to tell them what the Law says…. Contrast Jesus’ understanding of the Law as ‘easy to bear’ (Matthew 11:29-30); and which he has just explained in the simple terms of loving God and loving neighbor (Matthew 22:35-40).” *** In what ways has Jesus changed how you experience following him?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, your words were “you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.” Thank you for graciously offering me that quality of life. Amen.
GPS Insights
Valerie Nagel
Valerie Nagel, who serves as a Connection and Care Pastor at Resurrection Leawood, wrote today's Insights. A Californian by birth, her Master of Divinity degree is from Duke Divinity School. She served in the Rio Texas Conference from 2011 in the Austin area and San Antonio. From congregational care and welcoming guests to leading in worship, Valerie loves the local church's ministry. She juggles ministry with being a mom to Caleb (born 2012) and Jacob (born 2015), friend, avid reader, lover of the outdoors, beginner in CrossFit, and foodie.
When I read this passage, I am reminded that while Jesus was speaking to all those who want to follow him, he was also challenging those who call themselves religious leaders, like me. I’m a pastor. I take seriously my responsibility to help others to grow in their relationship with God. While I’m human and make mistakes, I never want to intentionally harm people who put their trust in me.
I know I am not alone in having been hurt by church leaders. They created heavy packs that could not be carried and yet they still put them on us. If you have not experienced that trauma, I am so thankful. If you have, then I want to say how sorry I am for what you have gone through. You deserved to be cared for by leaders who love like Jesus loves. It’s my hope that being a part of Resurrection offers you safety and healing. Any one of the pastors on staff would be honored to sit with you and hear your story. And right now, our counseling center does not have a wait time. I am so grateful for therapy and how it has brought healing to my negative religious experiences.
In his sermon yesterday, Pastor Scott reminded us that in this part of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus offers us a clarifying call. We’re called to resist exalting ourselves. We’re not supposed to make ourselves look good while burdening others. Instead, Jesus shows us what it means to humbly serve others. We’re invited to do justice and to seek mercy. We’re called to care for those whose lives are laden with burdens. While I feel challenged by this passage as a pastor, all of us can humbly care for others. All of us can create a church where we serve one another. All of us can serve our neighbors and bring hope and healing, because love can change everything.
© 2026 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* Eugene Eung-Chun Park and Joel B. Green, study note on Matthew 23:1 in The CEB Study Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2013, p. 49 NT.
** William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew—Volume 2 Chapters 11–28 (Revised Edition). Westminster John Knox Press, 1976, p. 285.
*** Eugene Eung-Chun Park and Joel B. Green, study note on Matthew 23:2-4 in The CEB Study Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2013, pp. 49-50 NT.
