Bible Verse Synopsis 3-12-25
Matthew 23
The leadership group of the temple in verses 1-12 are bashed by Christ. For they have taken titles and glories that do not belong to them in His name. When their motivations are self righteous, not in the manner of servitude as the greatest amongst us are. How often are we like the Pharisees? Seeking the best seat at the table and the best outcome of our inquiry? To be dressed the nicest and proclaimed as special in the eyes of men? This is not something to be looked for. Humble yourself and realize that the only praise we should be giving is to Christ, not to other men. Show up for Him, not for the “glories” of this world. The GLORIES of Heaven are greater than the best things here on earth.
Jesus gives the 8 woes to Pharisees. Calling them hypocrites and fools and blind. The Pharisees were corrupted men and had twisted the word of God to mean what they wanted and how they wanted to interpret it. It would be the same if this letter were to attempt to deviate from the true meaning of scripture! The pain that would cause me. The judgement would be swift and damaging. As was the judgement of these men. Their punishment was hell and damnation eternally. We must treat the Word as Holy and not twist the words in it. Attempt to understand and ask God for the guidance to understand it. One of the biggest things that stuck out to me was how the Pharisees and Scribes focused on the little things (the seasoning plants) and ignore the big things. I often do the same. The big things need solved first and the small things can wait. Focus yourself on these big issues to fix them before we attempt to correct the minor ones. Find the biggest stick protruding from our eye and remove it first. And look inward at yourself! Not outwards at others. As long as there are sticks in our own eyes, which there always will be, we are not to judge another’s sticks. The sins of the Pharisees are limitless and we are called here by Christ to not be like them. It is the most direct attack made by Christ in all of scripture.
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem as they have given themselves over to Satan. The absence of God is the presence of Satan. Without God, all is destined to fail. But with God, our blessings are eternal.