Religious corruption and bad government get a shout-out in this weekend’s Hebrew Bible reading from the prophet Micah. The first portion of the reading criticizes prophets whose prophesies conveniently align with their own material needs. When the prophets are comfortable, they preach peace to the masses, no matter the needs or suffering of the people. When the prophets want more material goods, they call for violence.

The second portion of the reading casts judgement on governing rulers who neglect their holy calling. Rather than seek the common good and lead with righteousness, such leaders take bribes, pervert equity, oppress their own people, abhor justice, and pay off religious leaders to speak in their favor.

It seems there’s nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9)! Rather than traffic in cynicism and resignation, however, we strive for a better way than such craven hypocrisy and injustice.

Election Day is Tuesday.

In Sunday's Gospel Jesus seems to be channeling some of Micah's ire, speaking quite harshly against his religious adversaries. Indeed, it is in Matthew chapter 23 where we hear Jesus speak as strongly as he does in all the Gospels against hypocritical religious leaders. His powerful words reflect his judgement that the religious leaders are misusing their authority, corrupting God's promises, and empowering themselves under the guise of their religious calling.

Whereas Micah called out corruption, Jesus calls out pride and hypocrisy. Centuries later Martin Luther would speak strongly against the abuses of the religious leadership of his era. In the past century saints such as Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke out forcefully against religious and civil leaders who countenanced and perpetuated sin and evil. In our own day we don't need to look hard to see unholy alignments of wealth, power, and religion.

Take note, however, of to whom it is that Jesus and Micah direct their criticism. They call out leaders, rulers, prophets - those with influence and authority. Micah and Jesus do not pick on the everyday believer in the street, nor those ordinary people who listen to and follow their religious and civil leaders. No. Jesus and Micah do not target for judgement "the little guy" who - rightly or wrongly - get caught up in what their leaders are saying and doing.

Instead, Jesus, Micah, and the whole prophetic tradition of the Bible reserve their judgement for leaders and elites who serve only their own needs, neglect the common good, and lead the people astray (see also Ezekiel 34; 1 Kings 22:13-28; Numbers 27:12-23). Let us also be cautious to judge our neighbor (Matthew 7:1-5) but emboldened to speak against those who misuse their authority to neglect the vulnerable and empower only themselves (see also Proverbs 31:8-9; Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 82:3-4).

It's not all judgement in this weekend's readings. In cautioning us not to put too much trust in human leaders, Jesus reminds us of the good and trustworthy God we have. In calling out injustice and hypocrisy, Jesus reminds us of God's justice and care. In judging the scribes and Pharisees for laying spiritual burdens on the people, Jesus recalls his promise from Matthew 11, that his burden is light.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 

Matthew 11:28-30

Friends, our Savior shows us a better way. We do not need to accept - let alone embrace and support - self-serving politics and religious self-aggrandizement.

Jesus directs us to trust in him, not in the broken ways of this world. Jesus urges us to live humbly with one another.  Jesus calls us to a life of humility, service, and love, for "the greatest among you will be your servants. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted" (Matthew 23:11-12).

Jesus invites us into the life of the cross, for it is in lowering ourselves that we are lifted up, in giving that we receive, and in dying to sin that we live into the fullness of God's promises.