Matthew 23.13 39

Scathing Condemnation

Jesus lets them have it. it should have made them so lowly humbled they repented loudly.

Jesus catalogs the faults of the Pharisees. These are the very same faults we should be wary of, particularly those who stand in leadership positions.

#1 List the faults of the Pharisees:

They preached but did not practice what they preached

They acted only to be seen and admired by others, not to please God

They were proud, seeking to be prominent and exalted over others

They were hypocrites who didn’t respond to God nor let others respond

they were blind guides who played with manmade rules and missed the realities of faith

They were hypocrites who made a great to do over strict tithing of the leaves of tiny herbs like mint and dill, but who neglected matters like justice and mercy

they were hypocrites who focused on outward appearances, when within themselves they were filled with greed and pride.

they were just like their predecessors who when they had authority killed the prophets God sent to them. Now by rejecting Jesus they were bringing upon a greater blood guilt then all the ages before.

#2 Think about your own actions. What is the thing you use to highlight your holiness like what the Pharisees had used (phylactery a little box worn around the forehead or wrist that held scripture)

Oh, I think it might just be my facebook groups that I study with sometimes.

Against the backdrop of all this condemnation there is a special thing that happens. As Jesus condemns these hypocrites, His heart breaks for them and for the crowds who would soon be screaming for His death.

#3 How can we recognize hypocrisy in ourselves? in others?

I think the list we compiled about the Pharisees is a good place to start with when we examine ourselves and others. Because if we are guilty of these then our fruit will not be present