Avoiding the "Woes."
January 22, 2006 - Matthew 23:13-39
Open It
What topic(s) or situations really get you upset?
What is the worst name or label that someone could pin on you?
Why do some people object to "organized religion"?
Explore It
What eternal destiny did Jesus pronounce on religious hypocrites? (23:13)
What are some of the names Jesus used to describe the respected, powerful, national leaders of Israel-the Pharisees? (23:13, 15-16, 27, 33)
What did Jesus say about the Pharisees' evangelism? (23:15)
What kind of picky man-made traditions did Jesus accuse the religious leaders of following blindly? (23:16-22)
What evidence of twisted priorities among the religious elite did Jesus give? (23:23-26)
What analogies did Jesus use to show that Israel's religious leaders were more interested in external credentials than internal character? (23:25-28)
How did Jesus argue that the Pharisees had failed to learn the lessons of Israel's history? (23:29-36)
Because of her awful leadership, how did Jesus lament over Jerusalem? (23:37)
Get It
What are some of the dangers of having a "checklist" of dos and don'ts that go beyond God's written Word?
What temptations are faced by those in positions of spiritual authority?
Which feeling best describes how you view non-Christians: sadness or anger?
In what area(s) have you been failing to practice what you preach?
How would you reach out to someone who has become embittered by religious hypocrites or empty religion?
Apply It
What attitudes or "matters of the heart" do you need to confess to God today so that your inside looks as good as your outside?
What could you do to help a young Christian grow stronger this week?
What older, more mature Christian can you spend time with this week to seek advice and wisdom?
Notes
Matthew 23:13-14: Being a religious leader in Jerusalem was very different from being a pastor in a secular society today. Israel's history, culture, and daily life centered around its relationship with God. The religious leaders were the best known, most powerful, and most respected of all leaders.
Matthew 23:15: The Pharisees' converts were attracted to Pharisaism, not to God. By getting caught up in the details of their additional laws and regulations, they completely missed God, to whom the laws pointed. A religion of deeds puts pressure on people to surpass others in what they know and do. Thus, a hypocritical teacher was likely to have students who were even more hypocritical.
Matthew 23:23-24: It's possible to obey the details of the laws but still be disobedient in our general behavior. For example, we could be very precise and faithful about giving generously of our money to God, but refuse to give one minute of our time in helping others.
Matthew 23:24: The Pharisees strained their water so they wouldn't accidentally swallow a gnat-an unclean insect according to the law. Meticulous about the details of ceremonial cleanliness, they nevertheless had lost their perspective on inner purity.
Matthew 23:25-28: Jesus condemned the Pharisees and religious leaders for outwardly appearing saintly and holy but inwardly remaining full of corruption and greed. Living our Christianity merely as a show for others is like washing a cup on the outside only.
Matthew 23:34-36: These prophets, wise men, and teachers were probably leaders in the early church who were persecuted, scourged, and killed, as Jesus predicted. The people of Jesus' generation said they would not act as their fathers did in killing the prophets whom God had sent to them (Matthew 23:30), but they were about to kill the Messiah himself and his faithful followers. Thus they would become guilty of all the righteous blood shed through the centuries.
Matthew 23:35: Jesus was giving a brief history of Old Testament martyrdom. Abel was the first martyr (Genesis 4); Zechariah was the last mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, which ended with 2 Chronicles. Zechariah is a classic example of a man of God who was killed by those who claimed to be God's people.
Matthew 23:37: Jesus wanted to gather his people together as a hen protects her chicks under her wings, but they wouldn't let him. Jesus also wants to protect us if we will just come to him. Many times we hurt and don't know where to turn. We reject Christ's help because we don't think he can give us what we need. But who knows our needs better than our Creator? Those who turn to Jesus will find that he helps and comforts as no one else can.
Matthew 23:37: Jerusalem was the capital city of God's chosen people, the ancestral home of David, Israel's greatest king, and the location of the temple, the earthly dwelling place of God. It was intended to be the center of worship of the true God and a symbol of justice to all people. But Jerusalem had become blind to God and insensitive to human need. Here we see the depth of Jesus' feelings for lost people and for his beloved city, which would soon be destroyed.