Primary Text: Matthew 23:1-36
Memory Verse: “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12
Introduction:
The Messiah’s denouncement and condemnation of the Pharisees is organized in the form of seven woes (remember that “seven” is God’s spiritual number of “completion”). It is most interesting to compare these negative qualities with the positive teaching that Jesus gave in the Beatitudes about the spiritual character of the citizens of God’s kingdom. Although far from a joking matter, the woes pronounced upon the personal conduct of the Pharisees, who had assumed a “self-appointed authority,” can be poignantly contrasted with the Beatitudes, and could be called the “Brat”-itudes. Insomuch as the nature of a brat (spoiled child) is to act selfishly, even at the expense of others, the term is appropriate. The Pharisees were hypocritical, selfish, childish, destructive brats.
To aid you in your study, take note of the contrasts between the behavior of the Pharisees and the Beatitudes:
| Beatitudes | Pharisees |
| Matthew 5:3 “poor in spirit” (total absence of self-sufficiency) | Matthew 23:13 “keep themselves and others lost” (total focus on works) |
| Matthew 5:4 “those who mourn” (those grieving their condition) | Matthew 23:14 “destroyers” (hurting the disadvantaged) |
| Matthew 5:5 “the meek” (those with supreme self-control) | Matthew 23:15 “winning converts to condemnation” (empty religion) |
| Matthew 5:6 “hunger …for righteousness” (heavenly treasures) | Matthew 23:16-22 “greedy for gain” (earthly, carnal treasures) |
| Matthew 5:7 “the merciful” (having compassionate hearts) | Matthew 23:23-24 “rejected mercy (majored on minor issues) |
| Matthew 5:8 “pure in heart” (clean before God) | Matthew 23:25-28 “defiled within” (emphasized outward cleanliness) |
| Matthew 5:9-12 “peacemaker” & “persecuted for righteousness” (respect and honor for others) | Matthew 23:29-33 “the devil’s children” (like the devil, they were liars, v. 30, and murderers, v. 34) |
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What were the false concepts of the Pharisees’ religion that Jesus condemned? Matthew 23:1-12
- How did the Pharisees “shut up the kingdom” so that others could not enter? Matthew 23:13
- How did the Pharisees mistreat people, particularly those who were vulnerable and in need of mercy? Matthew 23:14
- What were the Pharisees producing by converting others to their religious system? Matthew 23:15
- How did the way the Pharisees swore oaths show their greed and misunderstanding of life’s true value? Matthew 23:16-22
- What woe upon the Pharisees does Jesus state when He refers to them paying tithes even on their spices and herbs? Matthew 23:23-24 By declaring this, was Jesus in any way promoting that it was not essential to pay tithes and give offerings?
- Explain the symbolic illustrations Jesus gives in declaring woe upon the Pharisees’ hypocrisy. Matthew 23:25-28
- Why is Jesus’ final denouncement of the Pharisees the strongest of all, and what things does He speak prophetically to them that will lead ultimately to their complete condemnation? Matthew 23:29-36