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). Jesus drew attention to the weightier provisions of the Law, such as dispensing justice and mercy and faithfulness (see 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 (see 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 (see Mt.23:29-30). However, they would silence God’s greatest Messenger – their own Messiah (Mt.27:25). Their actions testified against themselves. God’s sentence against them would be justified (see 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 of 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. (see 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 (see 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). In this, Jesus endorsed an earlier O.T. prophecy by Hosea – I will go and return to My place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek My face; In their affliction, they will earnestly seek Me (Hos.5:15)