Book of Matthew - Lesson 31
(Read Matthew 23:1-39)
Introduction: In Matthew chapter 23 Jesus teaches about the hypocritical action/behavior
of the Scribes and Pharisees. They would "say, and do not" (Vs. 1-3). We find in
this chapter some of the strongest charged made against religious leaders you'll find in
the Bible. It is important to see the "woe"s of this chapter, I believe there
are eight of them.
1. Notice that it is wrong and harmful for any to lay on others "heavy burdens and
grievous to be born," when they will exempt themselves. Of course, it is always wrong
for men to demand more or less than the Lord! It is wrong and hurtful to do
"works" to be "seen of men." It is wrong and harmful to "love the
uppermost rooms and seats" - to wear titles and expect people to address you by
titles such as Rabbi, Father, Reverend and various clergy terms that we see in use today!
(Vs. 5-12). All of us
should recognize that we are just human beings, deserve to be servants of God and eager to
assist other human beings. We need to recognize that when we exalt ourselves, in the end
we'll be shown to be just lowly humans, needing the mercy of God. Let none of us think
more highly of ourselves than we ought (Rom. 12:3).
2. Notice the eight woes: (Vs 13, 14,15,16,23,25, 27,29):
a. Shutting up the kingdom (v.13)
b. devouring widows houses, pretense long prayers, etc (v. 14)
c. Making proselytes children "of hell" (v. 15)
d. blind guides, in swearing (vs 16-22)
e. Straining at a gnat, and swallowing a camel (vs. 23-24)
f. Making clean the outside while the inside is filthy (vs. 25-26)
g. Being Like white sepulchers (graves) (v27-28)
h. Filling up measure of our fathers, killing the prophets (vs. 29-33)
3.The terrible fruits of their (all such hypocritical)
behavior was/is pending, but will be harvested in time. They had persecuted the prophets,
and would shortly demand that the Son of God be crucified. How terrible for the city, the
people could have been gathered as a "hen gathereth her chicken under her wing,"
but they would not see their need and heed the invitation (vs. 34-39). How sad it is when religious people will not heed
the teachings of God's Son and His messengers. It is only a matter of time till they will
be destroyed, but in the process they will do many wicked things. Beloved, let us see the
difference in the teachings of religious people (leaders) and those who do teach and
practice the whole counsel of God; identify those who persecute the TRUE servants of God!
Questions:
1. To whom was Jesus speaking and of whom was he warning and being critical (Matt.
23:1-2)?
2. What did Jesus tell the disciple to "observe" and "do not" (Matt.
24:3-4)?
3. What was a basic fault of the Scribes and Pharisees (Matt 23:5-10)?
4. By what is "greatness" achieved (vs. 11-12)?
5. What behavior were involved in the first three "woe"s (Vs. 13-15)?
6. What was the fourth "woe" about (vs. 16-22)?
7. What behavior was condemned in the fifth and sixth "woe" (vs. 23-26)?
8. The 7th and 8th "woe"s involve outward appearance Versus Inward: figures used
(vs.27-33)?
9. How did Jesus feel about the city of Jerusalem, its people (vs 34-37)?
10. What did Jesus see happening to the city (vs.38-39)?