Matthew 23: Warnings and Woes (2)

Pray Psalm 2.7, 8.
“I will declare the decree:
The LORD has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.’”

Sing Psalm 2.7, 8.
(Agincourt: O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High)
Proclaim the message far and wide, that God has exalted the Crucified!
From heav’n He sent us His only Son, Who has for us salvation won!

Read Matthew 23.1-15; meditate on verses 13-15.

Prepare.
1. Why did Jesus call the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites?

2. Jesus invoked “woe” on them. What does that mean?

Meditate.
The basic meaning of “hypocrite” is “insincere.” A hypocrite is one who is only superficially what he professes to be. He makes a good show of faith in certain ways; but his heart produces actions which are merely self-serving, and thus betrays his confession.

It's about the worst thing you could say of someone for whom religion is his calling card, badge of honor, and status symbol.

Why were the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites? Three things are in view here. First, while they frequently talked about the Kingdom of God – the Davidic kingdom – they refused to enter it themselves when the opportunity – in the form of the Son of David and King of Israel – presented itself. And worse, they discouraged others from entering the Kingdom – from believing in and following Jesus (v. 13)

Second, they took advantage of the weak for their own aggrandizement, even as they assumed the posture of shepherds of the weak (v. 14).

Third, they devoted themselves to making sure that people followed them and believed just like they did, except that they actually expected conformity to practices they were not willing to keep themselves (v. 15).

For all such hypocrites, Jesus pronounced “Woe!” Woe implies judgment leading to rejection and misery. And when you’re saying this to the leaders of the people, in the presence of the people, you’re asking for trouble.

And the scribes and Pharisees were willing to give it.

Reflect.
1. How might you be able to tell if there is any hypocrisy in your faith?

2. How can believers encourage one another to enter more fully into the Kingdom of God?

3. Is there a place for “woe” in sharing the Good News of the Kingdom? Explain.

Here he lays to the charge of the priests two things. First, that they have been unprofitable for the salvation of many. They have forgotten that they need much toil in order to win over even one. And second, that they were remiss in the preservation of those whom they had won. Not only were they careless but traitors. John Chrysostom (344-407), The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 73.1

Lord, let there be no hypocrisy in me; instead, help me to…

Pray Psalm 2.1-6, 9-12.
Devote your day to Jesus, to live for Him in all faithfulness and sincerity.

Sing Psalm 2.1-6, 9-12.
Psalm 2.1-6, 9-12 (Agincourt: O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High)
Why do the nations vainly rage, conspiring together from age to age?
Earth’s kings and all of their counselors stand against the Lord and His Right Hand:

“Now let us cast His yoke below, His Kingdom authority overthrow!
Throw off His Law, reject His Word; no more be governed by this Lord!”

The Lord in heaven laughs in wrath at all who embark on this cursèd path.
His angry Word to them is plain: “Yet shall My King in Zion reign!”

To Christ the Lord be given all who humbly embrace Him and on Him call.
Be wise, be warned: His judgment comes to break the prideful, sinful ones.

Rejoice with fear in Jesus’ grace, and worship before His exalted face!
Beware His anger and judgment grim: How blessed are all who rest in Him!

T. M. Moore

Now might be a good time to start working through our ReVision series on “Restoring the Reconciled World.” You can download all the studies thus far in that series by clicking here. Use the pop-up to add ReVision to your list of subscriptions.

We are pleased to offer Worship Guides for use in your family or small group. Each guide includes a complete service of worship, and they are free to download and share by clicking here.

If you value Scriptorium as a free resource for your walk with the Lord, please consider supporting our work with your gifts and offerings. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button  at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 360 Zephyr Road, Williston, VT 05495.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).