"Woes Pronounced on False Teachers" 

Having silenced His enemies ( chapter 22), Christ now proceeds to expose them openly. In the Sermon on the Mount, He said that a man's righteousness had to exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, if he ever hoped to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:20)


1. EXPLANATION TO THE MULTITUDES AND DISCIPLES - 23:1-12


The Pharisees arose during a time in Israel's history when the nation was "pressured" by the Greeks to forsake their law and become "liberal." These men remained true to the faith, protected by law, and separated themselves from heathen influence. They became the interpreters of the Law during that period when Israel had no prophets or teaching priests. In this sense, the Pharisees "sat in Moses' seat." Jesus did NOT tell the people to observe EVERYTHING the Pharisees taught, but only those teachings that were true to the Law of Moses. Christ Himself had rejected many of the Pharisees' teachings.

The great sin of the Pharisees was HYPOCRISY based on pride. Their religion was external, not internal; it was for men, not God. They bound men with heavy burdens, while Christ came to set men free (Luke 4:18-19). They loved titles and public recognition, and exalted themselves at the expense of others. They had a "form of godliness" but no power (2 Tim. 3:5); while the borders of Christ's garments gave forth power to change men's lives (Matt. 9:20 and Matt. 14:36).

We see the Trinity in verses 8-10. We have one "master" (meaning teacher), even the Holy Spirit; we have one Father (verse 9); and we have one Leader ("master" here means leader); that is Christ (verse 10). For men to take the place of the Father, the Son, or the Spirit, is to disobey the Word of God and lead men astray.


2. CONDEMNATION OF THE PHARISEES -- 23:13-36


There are eight "woes" here, and you can contrast them with the eight "blesseds" (beatitudes of Matthew 5:31-32).

Keep in mind that Jesus does not utter these "woes" with a feeling of hatred or malice. There is a sense of "pitying sorrow" in these verses, as the loving heart of Christ reveals the wicked hearts of His enemies. Verse 13, "shut up the kingdom." How did they do this? First, by refusing to receive John the Baptist (21:25-27, 11:16-19). Second, by refusing to acknowledge Christ Himself (John 7:47). Third, by keeping the true meaning of the Scriptures from the people. By hiding the Word of God behind their man made traditions, the Scribes and Pharisees actually locked the door to the kingdom of heaven. How many "religious leaders" there are today who have shut people out of heaven by rejecting Christ, resisting His servants, and refusing to preach and teach His Word!!!


verse 14 -- The Pharisees would prey upon poor widows and take their possessions under the pretense of using them for God. They were covetous liars.

verse 16-22 -- Their values were confused. They were interested in the gold and the gifts, not the spiritual worship in the temple.

verse 32 -- "the measure of your fathers" refers to the increasing sin of the nation from OT days till Acts 7, when they finally "resisted the Spirit" and God set Israel aside. They had killed the OT prophets; they had permitted John to be murdered; they would crucify Christ; they would imprison the Apostles and slay Stephen, and finally, "fill up the measure."

verse 33 -- "generation of vipers" means "children of the devil" READ Matt. 3:7; Matt. 12:34; and John 8:44.

verse 35 -- Children of the devil are always persecutors of the children of God. Cain was a child of the devil (1 John 3:11-12)


3. LAMENTATION OVER JERUSALEM -- 23:37-39


This final word of sorrow from Christ indicates that God had given the people many opportunities to be saved, but they would not receive His offer. God does not send people to hell; they send themselves by their own stubbornness.

Israel will receive her Messiah when He returns to establish the kingdom on earth. Between the "Blessed is He that cometh" of Matthew 21:9 (still future) lies the church age which was not yet revealed. Believers of today do not look for an earthly king, but for the heavenly Bridegroom who will return in the twinkling of an eye.

I believe it shows here that a person may be religious and have a moral life, yet be under the condemnation of God. Only outward religion will never save; there must be a changed heart, a new birth. This is the lesson that Christ taught a chief Pharisee, Nicodemus, In John 3.