Matthew 23: The King Condemns the Rebels
INFLUENCE IS A powerful force. Those who influence others are able to change minds and to direct actions. The religious leaders in Israel possessed the power of influence. After they decided to oppose Jesus, they tried to lead others to do the same. In Matthew 23 Jesus condemns them point-blank. They should have been the first to enter the kingdom of God because of their knowledge of Scripture and their standing in the Jewish community. Because they refused, Jesus calls them to judgment. This passage exposes the guilt of those who do not practice what they preach.
Warming Up to God
When have you been hurt by inconsistency in the life or teaching of an influential person you respected? Talk to God about any feelings of hurt you still have.
Read Matthew 23. »
Discovering the Word
- What attitude does Jesus teach the people to have toward the religious leaders, and why (vv. 1-4)?
- Compare the motives of the religious leaders (vv. 5-7) with the motives and attitudes Jesus requires of his followers (vv. 8-12).
- Jesus pronounces seven woes (judgments) against the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (vv. 13-32). Summarize each one.
- The entire generation to whom Jesus is speaking is held accountable for the "righteous blood shed in all previous generations" (vv. 33-36). Why do you think they received such a terrible sentence?
- What responses do you have as you observe Jesus as a judge?
- In the midst of this overwhelming condemnation, how is the tender compassion of Jesus also evident (vv. 33-39)?
Applying the Word
- Jesus condemns the religious leaders for confusing inward and outward righteousness (vv. 25-28). In what ways are we inclined to do that today?
- Where does this point out a place that needs to change in your life?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to make your Christian life consistent with your beliefs.
For Further Study
Perseverance by Eugene Peterson