Picture a bustling crowd in Jerusalem, where Jesus stands before his followers and calls out the very leaders of the faith. In Matthew 23, he doesn't hold back, delivering a powerful critique aimed at the scribes and Pharisees that resonates even today.
The Reading: Matthew 23
World English Bible1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples,
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2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat.
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3 All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do.
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4 For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them.
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5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments,
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6 and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
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7 the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by men.
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8 But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
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9 Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven.
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10 Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.
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11 But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.
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12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
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13 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
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14 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you don’t enter in yourselves, neither do you allow those who are entering in to enter.
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15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of Gehenna as yourselves.
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16 “Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated.’
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17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
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18 ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated?’
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19 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
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20 He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it, and by everything on it.
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21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him who has been living in it.
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22 He who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him who sits on it.
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23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.
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24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!
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25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness.
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26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.
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27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
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28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
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29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and decorate the tombs of the righteous,
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30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn’t have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’
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31 Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets.
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32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.
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33 You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?
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34 Therefore behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city;
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35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar.
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36 Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.
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37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not!
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38 Behold, your house is left to you desolate.
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39 For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Jesus Addresses the Crowd
In this chapter, Jesus speaks to the crowds and his disciples about the scribes and Pharisees. He acknowledges their authority, stating they sit in Moses' seat, meaning they have a role in teaching the law. However, he quickly turns the conversation, advising the people to follow their teachings but not their actions.
The Hypocrisy Exposed
Jesus points out that these leaders create heavy burdens for others but refuse to help carry them. They crave recognition and status, adorning themselves with elaborate clothing and seeking the best seats at gatherings. He warns his followers against calling anyone 'Rabbi' or 'Father' because they all share one Father in heaven, emphasizing the importance of humility.
Woes to the Leaders
Then, Jesus launches into a series of 'woes' aimed at the hypocritical behaviors of the Pharisees. He condemns them for exploiting the vulnerable, misinterpreting oaths, and focusing on minor rituals while neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. His vivid imagery - straining out a gnat while swallowing a camel - illustrates their misguided priorities.
The Ultimate Judgment
Jesus warns that their outward appearances mask inward corruption, comparing them to beautiful tombs hiding decay. He calls them out for honoring prophets of the past while being complicit in the same injustices. In a poignant moment, he laments over Jerusalem, wishing to gather its people like a hen gathers her chicks, but they refuse. He concludes with a stark message: their house will soon be left desolate.
Why It Matters
Seek Authenticity
Matthew 23 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of hypocrisy. It's easy to put on a show - a polished exterior that hides deeper issues. This chapter encourages us to strive for authenticity in our faith, ensuring our actions align with our beliefs.
Embrace Humility
Jesus' teaching on humility is profound. In a world that often values status and recognition, he flips that notion on its head. True greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking accolades.
Justice and Mercy
The emphasis on justice, mercy, and faith over mere ritual acts is still relevant. We are called to embody these principles in our communities, fostering a spirit of compassion and support for those who are struggling.
If you're looking to connect with a community that values authenticity and service, consider using find a church near you to explore local congregations that reflect these values.
Reflection and Action
As we reflect on Jesus' words, let's ask ourselves: are we living authentically? Are we prioritizing the right things in our lives? These lessons challenge us to take a closer look at our hearts and actions as we engage with the world around us.
Coming Up Next: Matthew 24
In the next part of our journey through Matthew, we'll delve into chapter 24, where Jesus shares prophetic insights about the future and the end times. What does he predict, and how should we prepare? Stay tuned!