Note 5 at Mt. 23:12: It needs to be pointed out that if anyone becomes a servant or humbles himself with the motive of seeking to be exalted, then he is not truly fulfilling Jesus' command and will not reap the reward promised here. Hypocrisy is an attitude or motive (see note 1 at Mt. 21:23, p. 368; see note 2 at Mt. 23:2, p. 387) and many people today have taken on religious mannerisms which appear self- debasing but in truth are "Pharisaisms."

"You all pray for me while I try to sing this special. I don't have a very good voice but the Lord said all we had to do was make a joyful sound." This line has become a standard with many singers and yet if you agreed with them and said, "You're right! Your voice really is terrible," you would be in for a fight. That's hypocrisy. It was just a "back- handed" way of seeking to gain a compliment. That is not what Jesus was advocating.

Jesus is teaching a true, servant's heart that loves others more than self and will joyfully do without so that someone else may prosper.