Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 23:1-39; 24:1-35; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 21:5-33

Fast Facts

  • Jesus spent a lot of time exposing the wickedness of the Pharisees. He told the crowds that the Pharisees were hypocrites. They did not practice the things that they preached (Matthew 23:3-4).
  • The Pharisees cared more about position and prestige than righteousness. They wore fancy clothes and seated themselves in Moses’ chair to be seen by men (Matthew 23:5).
  • The Pharisees loved the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues (Matthew 23:6). They also loved to be called “Rabbi” and receive respectful greetings in the market places (Matthew 23:7). Jesus said (in due time) these arrogant men would be humbled by God (Matthew 23:12).
  • Jesus said, “Woe to you” eight different times to these men.
  • Here is what the Lord condemned them for (Matthew 23:13-39):
  • They made people think they would never be able to go to heaven (vs. 13).
  • To show off, they would oppress the less fortunate and pray long prayers to show off before others (vs. 14).
  • They would travel long distances to convert Gentiles to Judaism, but turn the converts more wicked than they were before (vs. 15).
  • They would make up rules and traditions and bind them as though they came from God (vss. 16-22).
  • They would tithe but neglected to show justice, mercy, and faithfulness (vs. 23).
  • They would look holy on the outside, but inside they were corrupt and full of lawlessness (vss. 25-28).
  • Unless they changed their hearts, it would be hard for them to escape being lost in hell (vs. 33).
  • After coming out of the temple, Jesus gave His disciples a list of warning signs that would precede the destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1-35; Luke 21:5-33). All of these signs came to pass before the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Jesus also gave teaching about what will occur when He comes again (Matthew 24:36-25:46). Unlike the destruction of Jerusalem, before the Lord comes back, there will be no warning signs (Matthew 24:36)! It will be sudden and unexpected!

Study Questions

  1. What word did Jesus constantly use to describe the Pharisees? What does the word mean?
  2. What did the Pharisees love for the people to do to them?
  3. Why did the Pharisees wear fancy clothes and say long prayers?
  4. How many times did Jesus say “Woe” to the Pharisees in Matthew 23?
  5. Of the “Woes” announced on the Pharisees, which three stand out to you the most? Why?
  6. What happens to the arrogant who exalt themselves too high (Matthew 23:12)?
  7. What did Jesus call the Pharisees in Matthew 23:33? What were they going to have a hard time escaping?
  8. What were the warning signs in Matthew 24:1-35 and Luke 21:5-33 pointing to? List a few of the signs that stand out to you.