Matthew 20:1-16
A Right Attitude in Service
Matthew 20:17-28
A Leader Must Be a Servant
Matthew 20:29-34
The Two Blind Men
Matthew 21:1-17
Jesus Enters Jerusalem on a Donkey
Matthew 21:12-22
The Fuitless Fig Tree
Matthew 21:23-32
A Question About Jesus Authority
Matthew 21:33-46
The Cruel Vineyard Tenants
Matthew 22:1-14
Parable of The Wedding Party
Matthew 22:15-22
Political Question About Paying Taxes
Matthew 22:23-33
Doctrinal Question About The Resurrection
Matthew 22:34-46
Ethical Question About David’s Son
Matthew 23:1-12
The Pharisaical Religion
Matthew 23:13-26
Blinded to God’s Truth
Matthew 23:27-39
White Washed Sepulchers
Matthew 24:1-14
The Olivet Discourse
Matthew 24:32-51
The Time of The Lord’s Return
Matthew 25:1-13
The Foolish Bridesmaids
Matthew 25:14-30
The Wise And Foolish Stewards
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep And Goat Judgment
Matthew 26:1-5
Judas Plot to Betray Jesus
Matthew 26:6-16
At Simon The Leper’s House
Matthew 26:17-30
Passover With The Disciples
Matthew 26:31-35
Three Characteristics of Jesus
Matthew 26:36-46
Jesus Goes With His Disciples to Pray
Matthew 26:47-56
Judas Brings a Mob to Arrest Jesus
White Washed Sepulchers
Matthew 23:27–39
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
A rather pompous-looking deacon was trying to impress a class of boys with the importance of living the Christian life. “Why do people call me a Christian?” the man asked. After a moment’s pause, one youngster said, “Maybe it’s because they don’t know you.” (S … More
In our next woe Jesus gives an analogy of the Pharisees who appeared righteous on the outside. (like unto white washed tombs) however they were corrupt and decaying on the inside (vv. 27-32). It was a tradition for the Pharisees to build and decorate the tombs of the martyrs.
However it was their spiritual fathers who killed the martyrs.Notice several contrasts between Jesus’ teaching and the teaching of the Pharisees:
Jesus Pharisees
Taught spiritual life Majored on rules
Measured by character Measured by activity
Taught humility Very proud
Emphasized the inner man Concerned about externals
Glorified His Father Sought glory for themselves
The generation to which these words were addressed represented the culminating point of the whole sinful history of the nation, beginning with the murder of Abel by his brother Cain (see Gen 4; Heb 11:4) and going on to the murder of Zacharias son of Barachias (vv. 33-39). In (II Chron. 24:20-21) we find the account of the murder of Zechariah son of Jehoiada “in the court of the house of the Lord.” If this is the incident here referred to, the mention of Abel and Zacharias may be intended to cover the whole Old Testament revelation. God’s greatest desire for us is always to develop and nurture a growing, satisfying relationship with Him. He created us for deep fellowship with Him, but we make the choice as to whether we allow Him to fulfill His purpose in our lives.
Application
The natural man desires praise and glory like the Pharisees instead of giving all glory to God. It is real easy to be a Pharisee. Have I ever done something well and wanted to take the credit myself? I should give all glory to God and others because they made it possible (Matt. 23:12).Matthew 23:27-39 (English Standard Version)
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