As I was reading through Matthew 23, I came across a couple of words that I thought it might be useful to have good definitions for. I am going to share with you my "vocabulary list" for the chapter. ☺(Yes, I realize I am a very simple person! lol!)
scribe - a person who writes books or documents by hand as a profession and helps keep track of records.
Pharisee- a member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity; a hypocrite.
synagogue- the building where a Jewish assembly or congregation meets for religious worship and instruction.
Phylactery- a small leather box containing Hebrew texts on vellum, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law.
proselyte- a person who has converted from one opinion, religion, or party to another, especially recently.
It might seem crazy to give adults definitions, but in order for us to grasp the full meaning of the passage, we can not skip over words because we "think" we know what they mean. We need to fully understand the scripture. Are you ready dive in? Let's go!
This chapter is especially remarkable because it contains the last words that Jesus spoke within the walls of the temple. Those last words expose the Pharisees for what they were and offer a sharp rebuke of their teachings and practices. I believe that because Jesus knew His time of ministry on the earth was soon drawing to an end that He simply had to warn the people against these wolves.
You will find that Jesus unsparingly used the term "WOE TO YOU!" In verses 13-33, He uses it eight times to be exact. 7 times Jesus calls the Scribes and Pharisees "hypocrites". Two times He refers to them as "blind guides" and "fools and blind". Probably one of the scariest terms Jesus uses to label the Pharisees and Scribes is only used once and is "Serpents and brood of vipers". Can we gather from this wording that Jesus thought their teachings were absolutely abominable?!
What were the "woes" that were addressed?
-They didn't believe the Gospel and did everything within their power to prevent others from believing.
-They were covetous and used their position for material gain.
-They worked hard to make men join their party and adopt their beliefs and teachings. They not only wanted to grow their group of followers, but wanted positions of importance.
-They created teachings that said some oaths (or vows) were not as binding. If you vowed by Gold it was binding, but by the temple (God's House) it was not. (We see what was truly important to them here!)
-They exalted certain religious things above justice, love, and honesty.
-(The next 2 can really be combined into one category.) They worried more about outward appearance than the heart.
-They built the "tombs of the prophets" and garnished "the sepulchers of the righteous" , and yet lived a life that proved they were more like those who murdered these great men than the prophets themselves.
If we learn anything from this text, let it be this. Never, do you read in the Bible where murders or thieves are addressed by Jesus in such a manner. God hates hypocrisy! We must be real and honest before our God and all men. We should be concerned with the matters in our heart more than the works we do.
These are just a few questions to think about. If you have the time, write them down, along with your answers in your journal. I would love to hear some of your answers! You can share in the comments or on the Facebook page.
*Why are teachers and ministers more accountable for hypocrisy and false beliefs than anyone else?
*What were the Jewish leaders about to do that would turn God's wrath towards them? Why were they similar to their forefathers who had killed the prophets?
*Are there ways in your home that you might over-emphasize minor issues and under-emphasize major issues?
*What do verses 37-38 say about Jesus' character in relation to those who are on the path to destruction?
*Are there periods of time in history where well-intentioned religious men have persecuted true men and women of faith? Give some examples. Were they really "well-intentioned"?
PLEASE SHARE!
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