We should review some facts about the Pharisees in Christ's time (and Jewish custom), since you've connected Christ's statement (Matt 23:3) to obedience to pastors.
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The pharisees sat in Moses' seat, and corrupted themselves in frowardly mixing Mosaic Law with customs of men. In addition to this corruption, they failed to fulfill the physical Mosaic Law... but also failed to fulfill their own superfluous ordinances, let alone fulfilling the 'very image' or spiritual truth of the Law! No wonder they are called vipers. Basically everything they do seems tainted with deadly poison.
Regarding superfluous ordinances, we can observe the process involved in a gentile gaining citizenship, becoming a jew, as set forth by the Pharisees. In addition to the God-commanded requirement of circumcision (valid), there were also added the customary offering of turtledoves and the proselyte baptism (which was originally intended for priestly purification prior to temple duties, or for women post-menstrul), which are not mentioned in Torah as requirements for citizenship or conversion.
But take a look at
Mat 3:13-17,
Mat 23:3 then
Col 2:14-17
The key to understanding how these and similar scriptures correlate, rests in the Jewish customs attached to securing or nullifying a contract.
Two or three witnesses were required to create a contract. The contracting parties would literally act-out the contract, like a skit. In the eyes of the witnesses and judge, this secured the contract. To nullify a contract, the contracted parties would gather among the witnesses and agree publicly regarding nullification. The physical contract would then be placed against a pole and a certain spike be driven through it, marking it nullified (much like a notary seal today).
The nailing of the handwriting of ordinances to the cross (
Col 2:14-17)represents the nullifying of the requirement of the fulfillment of ordinances, and customs of men. Paul's understanding and preaching of this led to controversy between the Christian Jews and the Christian Gentiles concerning holy days, circumcision, legal food, etc.
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So, with fulfillment of the New Testament, a New Contract enacted and sealed with Christ's blood (which we are likewise bound to, by bearing our cross, participating in the enactment and following him as he wills it), and simultaenous nullification of handwriting of ordinances, we are set free from the laws of men, being made subject to Christ Jesus, who alone is mediator between God and men.
Mat 23:7-13
Summed up: We are to consider no man Master or Father, but Christ.
Does this mean we reject all instruction given by men? Heavens NO!
I Cor 11:1
We are to follow our sub-shepherds (Christ being the primary shepherd), even as they are followers of Christ. Notice... As long as they follow Christ, we follow them. So in a sense, we're merely all just following Christ, which goes back to Christ's commandment that we call no man Master.
If a man is following Christ, and he gives you instruction, YOU FOLLOW IT.
If a man is rebellious, froward, and deceiving himself, you correct him as you are a follower of Christ. This is the commandment of God.
If a child-molesting priest or pastor commands that you drop your children off at his/her home so he can give them a 'special blessing', and says it is God's commandment, do you do this thing? NO!
Christ set us free from the tyranny of men, binding us to him, who all men answer to.
NOW...
the problem today is that, as I believe, we are living in a DARK AGE regarding scriptural understanding. You can have a preacher teaching something false, and a congregation member who believes something else (which is also false) contradicting one another, and both are blind in the midst of their conflict.
The apostasy of today illustrates the importance of STUDYING TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED, that we might be able to discern truth as well as instruct with longsuffering and patience toward the building of the house of God. Too often I see intelligent, capable congregants studying too little, or without willingness or strength to bear their cross by speaking up when they know something is wrong (which is pure agape), or Pastors themselves who don't study enough and/or discourage their congregants from a deeper understanding of the word of God in fear that this may lead to questions being raised, and the pastor's embarassment. Most of the time, it's all about 'keeping the calm and the order... don't rock the boat', and this is an easy approach.
This is a common line-of-thinking throughout the history of religion and especially Christianity:
A SIMPLE flock is easier to keep and manage, when you yourself do not study enough in the Word. Also, smooth words and fair speeches about Jesus loving everybody work well for growing and maintaining crowds. Questions are to be avoided or answered ambiguously, especially in the company of others, as these may lead to more questions, and an undoing of an order which is physically comforting and profitable to certain persons.
The rules are similar in both fortune-telling and being a sales-person.
I'm NOT saying all pastors are this way... but I'm beginning to fear it's the majority.
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