Matthew 23:23-39
Q.1. On what part of the Law did the Scribes and Pharisees focus? How did Jesus see the keeping of the Law? Why did He call them hypocrites? – (Mt.23:23-28)
The Scribes and Pharisees focused on the observable and external aspects of the Law, and their own traditions. This meant that they – outwardly appeared righteous to men, but inwardly were full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (Mt.23:28). However, Jesus identified the weightier provisions of the Law, such as dispensing justice and mercy and faithfulness (Mt.23:23 c.f. Mic.6:8). The truth was that these men were – full of robbery and self-indulgence (Mt.23:25). Jesus stated that their attempts to impress men, while failing to obey God, were hypocritical (Mt.23:23, 25, 27).
Q.2. How did the Scribes and Pharisees see Israel’s history? Did this absolve them from guilt? How would their falsehood be exposed? How were Abel and Zechariah prophets? – (Mt.23:29-36)
The leaders dissociated themselves from the murderous actions of past generations, which were against the prophets of God. They even built impressive monuments to these righteous servants of God (Mt.23:29-30). However, they would silence God’s greatest prophet – their own Messiah (Mt.27:25). Their actions testified against themselves. God’s sentence against them would be justified (Mt.23:31-33). The crucifixion of the Saviour would expose their hypocrisy and would identify them with all the other persecutors of the prophets. These were from the first martyr for the faith – Abel, all the way to one of the more recent – … Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar (Mt.23:35). Zechariah was one of their greatest prophets, speaking of the restoration of Israel. Abel was not only the first, but – though he is dead, he still speaks (Heb.11:4). Jesus predicted that worse was to come – 34 “Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city … 36 Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation (Mt.23:34 & 36). Not all the Scribes were denounced. (c.f. Mt.23:34).
For What Was Jerusalem known? Had God acted with compassion towards His people? What dire prediction did Jesus make? Has God finished with Israel? – (Mt.23:37-39)
Jerusalem was the centre of Israel’s worship. It was the place where God chose to dwell among His people, and for His name to be honoured (c.f. Exo.25:22; 1 Kgs.8:20-21, 27-30). God had shown compassion and patience from generation to generation. He had cared for them as a mother hen protects her chicks, by sending prophets to give Israel His message. They had refused His warnings and killed His servants. Consequently, Jesus prophesied – Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! (Mt.23:38). He then stated that – from now on you will not see Me UNTIL you say, `Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ (Mt.23:39 c.f. Zech.12:10-14; Rom.11:25-27; Rev.1:7). Jesus foresaw a time of renewal for the nation of Israel.