Starting from Matthew 22:41-45 Jesus turns the table and addresses the Pharisees directly. Then in chapter 23 He openly critizes the them. In summary, their problem is not practicing what they preach Matthew 23:3. Why? Is it because practicing is harder Matthew 23:4? The Pharisees do a lot of "work," are those works also hard to do? They have rewards for what they do and makes the works easier (Matthew 23:5). This is a good reminder to me. If I am satisfying with the reward from men I will lost the focus of my sanctification and becomes like Pharisees.
The "woes" to Pharisees can be group together into 3 categories: (1) They are the teachers of the Law but they lead others to hell and not to kingdom (Matthew 23:13-15). (2)When they interprete the Scriptures they do not see the importance of God and the spiritual reality (Matthew 23:16-24). (3) What is inside of them is hypocrisy and wickedness, but they are delighted in fashioning their outward appearance (Matthew 23:25-28). Lastly, Jesus told them they will not escape the judgment (Matthew 23:29-39), which will be explained more fully in chapter 24-25.
Audrey
Audrey
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