S – The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses. ³ Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach.

Matthew 23:2–3 CSB

O – Commentary:

The hypocrisy and unbelief of the nation’s religious leaders, evidenced in chapter 22, prompted a strong message from Jesus. He turned to the crowds and to His disciples, who were in the temple listening to His debates with the various religious leaders. He warned them about their teachings saying that their authority was to be recognized (they sit in Moses’ seat, i.e., they teach the Law), but their practices, being hypocritical, should not be followed.

“Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Jesus recognized the authority that came with sitting in the chair of Moses and the word of God taught.  He also recognized the fallibility of the leader.  Jesus honored God’s word but not the heart of a hypocritical leader.  God is always looking at our hearts.  We must keep it aligned with him and genuine.  There is no room for hypocrisy as a leader.

R – Heavenly Father, you are creator of all.  Please search our hearts for anything that would not align with yours.  Reveal to us any sin, fear, pride or hypocrisy that would cause our hearts to be disgenuine in sharing your love with others.