A Lesson from Moses’ Seat

Can we learn a lesson from what Jesus told the people and His disciples about the Pharisees and Scribes? He said, “The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat, all therefore that they tell you, observe and do…” (Matt. 23:2). What was the “seat of Moses”?

It was considered that Moses sat down to instruct the people and to render judgments. He received instruction from God and he taught this to the people. In the time of Jesus, the Pharisees were in charge of the synagogues. It was customary for the “ruler” of the synagogue to read the Scriptures. But others (lay men) could also read the Scriptures. When reading, the reader stood. If he had any comments to each or expound the passage, he would sit.

We see this at the Synagogue in Nazareth where Jesus grew up. In Luke 4, He was handed the scroll of Isaiah and he “stood up” to read. When he had finished, he did not return to his own seat but sat down so as to expound this passage of Isaiah. When He did all eyes in the synagogue were on Him. This was the customary way in which participants in the synagogue conducted themselves. See Luke 4:16-21.

What Jesus is saying in Matthew 23:2 is that when they read the Scriptures and expound them, they sit in Moses’ chair. Who sits in Moses seat? Anyone who reads the Scriptures! My friend, Lloyd Hohertz, put me on to this explanation. But I want to expound a lesson for you and me.

Remember, the average person did not have a Bible or a copy of the Scriptures. The average person was not even able to read. Thus, to hear the Scriptures, one went to the synagogue and to hear the Pharisees or the Scribes read the passages of the Bible.

But what did the average person know about the Scribes and Pharisees and what did Jesus say about them? They were hypocrites, they were blind guides, they were people who loved to have the prestige of others at any cost, they were snakes, fools and blind, and they did not do the law themselves (Matt. 23).

But, when they read the passages of Scripture and explain them properly, Jesus said do what they say! But don’t follow their example because they don’t practice what they preach. Here is the great lesson!

If this lesson could have been learned by all, we would not have seen so many people just leave and abandon all relationship with the Bible and church fellowship. Some, being offended by men, have turned away even from the Scriptures! Perhaps you yourself have turned away from the Word of God when it was read and expounded by someone you didn’t like or respect. Jesus said, “…therefore, all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them” (Matt. 23:3 NAS).

The lesson for us is that when the Word of God is presented, REGARDLESS of WHO presents it properly and in context, you and I are to give heed to it and observe it. We, as Christ’s disciples, must always be tender and yielding to the Word of God. When Moses spoke to the people, God would say to him, “Speak to the children of Israel and say, Thus says the LORD your God….”

You and I must always yield and obey God’s Word regardless of who it is that speaks it. Jesus told the people that even though the Scribes and Pharisees are hypocrites, snakes, liars, pompous, blind guides, and religious show-offs, when they read and expound the writings of Moses, they are to obey them! Actually, Jesus was really telling them to obey the Word of God!

Some have interpreted the passage to say that all the doctrines of the Pharisees are, therefore, correct. Not so. Jesus accused the Pharisees of nullifying the commandment for the sake of their tradition (Matt. 15:1-6). He even warned His disciples to be aware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. This meant their doctrine (Matt. 16:12)! Jesus wasn’t endorsing their doctrine. He was telling the people to obey the word of God.

It has been sad to watch the many people who so focused on men – followed men, adored men, believed in men and were disappointed and came to despise men! Because those men preached about God, some have forsaken God. (Thankfully, only a small number in comparison.)

But the lesson for us is clear. Always pay attention to the Word of God. But it must be correctly stated and applied in context. Remember, even Satan can quote Scripture and quote it accurately (Matt. 4). But he misapplies it and quotes it out of context.

There is never any substitute for reading and checking the Bible for yourself. For we must all give account of ourselves before God.