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
- What word did Jesus constantly use to describe the Pharisees? What does the word mean?
- What did the Pharisees love for the people to do to them?
- Why did the Pharisees wear fancy clothes and say long prayers?
- How many times did Jesus say “Woe” to the Pharisees in Matthew 23?
- Of the “Woes” announced on the Pharisees, which three stand out to you the most? Why?
- What happens to the arrogant who exalt themselves too high (Matthew 23:12)?
- What did Jesus call the Pharisees in Matthew 23:33? What were they going to have a hard time escaping?
- 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.