Scripture
Matthew 23:13
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees…”
Observation
In the previous chapter, Jesus matches wits with the Pharisees and scribes who ask Him questions meant to entrap Him and invalidate His claims and ministry. In this chapter, Jesus is done entertaining their self-righteous and legalistic foolishness. He points out their arrogance and pride and challenges the people to do as they say but not as they do. Jesus then pronounces a series of seven woes upon the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, exposing their hypocrisy and legalism, their ignorant and burdensome teachings, their misguided priorities; their religion without mercy; then pronounces them guilty of the shed blood of the martyred prophets and pronounces theirs as a desolate house.
Understanding
Child of Hell! Blind guides! Hypocrites! Wicked! Whitewashed tombs! Snakes! Brood of vipers! Jesus saved His most vicious accusations and insults for the religious leaders of the day; this in vivid contrast to the patience, grace and mercy He had for the people whom the leaders had manipulated and exploited with their legalism and ritual. It is a weighty responsibility for any of us who assume the mantle of leadership and influence in the Body and one to which the Lord will hold us accountable. Jesus’ vitriol emphasizes His love for the sheep of His flock and the care and protection that He expects His shepherds to provide them. While He doesn’t expect perfection from teachers and leaders, He does demand integrity, honesty, accuracy, humility and mercy from those who “sit on Moses’ seat.” (v.2)
Life Application
As a teacher of God's word, I am acutely aware of the higher level of accountability to which I (or any leader) am to be held. I need carefully guard my doctrine against any error and I need to be equally cautious against becoming self-righteous or legalistic. I strive to be honest enough to admit my personal faults and struggles even as I instruct others lest I fall into the same prideful trap as did the Pharisees and scribes. Yet, the warning against hypocrisy that Jesus gives to leaders and teachers applies to the life of every Christian. If our actions do not agree with our doctrine and, perhaps more importantly, the heart of God, then we are guilty of the same charges brought against the Pharisees and scribes.
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-Gary Parker
