Matthew 23:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,

NIV: Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:

NASB: Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples,

CSB: Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples:

NLT: Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,

KJV: Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

NKJV: Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples,

Matthew has been reporting on Jesus' conversations and teaching in the temple for much of the previous two chapters (Matthew 21—22). Christ's main topic has been the spiritual corruption of Israel's religious leaders. That exposition has included several parables and taking questions from representatives of the various groups of religious rabbis and officials. In this passage, He begins describing even more forcibly the consequences for the failings of the scribes and Pharisees.

He is speaking both to the crowds gathered at the temple for the Passover celebration, as well as to His own disciples. Perhaps some of the religious leaders are continuing to listen to Jesus, as well, though they are not mentioned. It's possible they have left after being so thoroughly dismantled in debate (Mathew 22:46), or they might be lurking around and listening without interacting.

Matthew 23:1–12 begins Jesus' condemnation of Israel's religious leaders, summarized with the phrase "the scribes and the Pharisees." He warns those listening not to follow their example, since they don't practice what they preach. Their words imply heavy burdens, but their actions don't reflect the same. They make no effort to help others fulfill those requirements. In fact, everything they do is for show: only to be seen and approved of by others. They make a great show of religious clothes and symbols, jockey for the seats of honor everywhere they go, and take enormous pride in their prestigious spiritual titles.

After thoroughly dismantling scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees in debate, Jesus even more thoroughly condemns these religious leaders for their religious hypocrisy. They do all their religious acts and works to be seen and approved of by other people. Jesus pronounces God's judgment on the scribes and Pharisees in a series of seven "woe to you" statements. He repeatedly calls them "blind" and "hypocrites." He concludes with a lament for Jerusalem and her children who rejected His protection. God's judgment is coming.

Matthew 23 concludes Matthew's multi-chapter account of all of Jesus' interactions in the temple during the last week before His arrest and crucifixion. After silencing the religious leaders with parables and brilliant responses (Matthew 21—22), He pronounces God's judgment on the scribes and Pharisees in a series of seven "woe to you" statements. Jesus mourns for the judgment that will come on Jerusalem for her rejection of God. This leads Jesus to leave the temple, sadly remarking on its impending destruction (Matthew 24:1–2). As the disciples ask about this, Jesus begins an extended teaching on the end times in chapter 24.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.

Accessed 4/28/2024 10:27:58 PM