-Jesus warns against the religious leaders who are tearing
down the Kingdom of Heaven by their teachings based on the traditions of man
rather than building It up by the Spirit of God. Jesus addresses the crowds and
the disciples in this discourse themed on hypocrisy in Jerusalem shortly before
His death for the sins of mankind. Outward appearances without inward
transformation are denounced by the King of kings, along with listening to
others apart from our One Teacher in Heaven. He instructs that they should not
even call themselves leaders; “for One is your Leader, that is, Christ
(Anointed, the Head, Colossians 1:15-18, Matthew 23:10). The greatest among all
the brethren in Christ shall be the servant of all. This is a radical departure
from where the Synagogue and Temple system was operating. Then Christ gives an all-time
classic comment, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled (remember humility is
required for Kingdom citizenship, Matthew 18:3-4); and whoever humbles himself
shall be exalted (Matthew 23:12).” *Application*
Be careful who you follow. A leader who is puffed up and building his own
kingdom for his own purposes is unworthy of the genuine Christian life. Our
Father in Heaven provides everything we need for spiritual life and learning
through His Holy Spirit within us as believers. Trust in His wisdom by His Word
alone. Weigh and discern everything that is said by man.
-The Lord then rails on the religious leaders in 8 woes
pronounced upon them with the repeated phrase, “Woe to you, scribes and
Pharisees, hypocrites (Matthew 23:13-36).” They are denounced because they are
keeping people out of the Kingdom of Heaven, devouring widow’s houses, praying
with pride for the applause of man, proselytizing with deception and false
doctrine, putting money before God, neglecting justice, mercy, and
faithfulness, displaying a façade of purity when they are inwardly impure, and
murdering the prophets. *Application* Jesus’
words are strong and stinging and should bring us to self-introspection in the
highest sense. We could be guilty of these things just as much as these
religious leaders of the first century. Stay pure before the Lord and confess
your sins before Him. He is faithful and just to forgive when you do (1 John
1:9).
-Christ ends the chapter with a compassionate-personal touch
as He again mourns over the Holy City of Jerusalem preceding His death (Matthew
23:37-39). He prophecies over it and the Jewish people because they had not
truly recognized the day of their visitation from the Messiah. However, there
remains the promise of restoration when they will one day say, “Blessed is He
who comes in the Name of the LORD (Psalm 118:26).” The King was about to depart
with the certainty of a triumphant return for His people. *Application* We see the tension between God’s wrath and mercy here
in this passage. His desire is for compassion and forgiveness, but we must come
to Him on His terms, which are really simple and light of burden when we accept
it (Matthew 11:28-30). Trusting in Christ is the way we can escape the sentence
of hell (Matthew 23:33).
Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 23:8, 37
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