Matthew 23

I. The denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees. Matthew 23:1-36 [Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47]

A. Beware of what they say and will not do. Matthew 23:1-4

B. They want to be praised by men spiritually. Matthew 23:5-12

1. Do not call anyone your spiritual Rabbi. Jesus is the only Rabbi. Matthew 23:7-8

2. Do not call anyone your spiritual father. God is our heavenly Father. Matthew 23:9

3. Do not call anyone your spiritual Master. Jesus is the only Master. Matthew 23:10

4. “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11

5. How to be exalted. Matthew 23:12

C. Eight woes upon the Scribes and Pharisees. Matthew 23:13-36

1. Woe against hypocrisy. Matthew 23:13

2. Woe against taking the advantage of widows with long prayers. Matthew 23:14

3. Woe against getting people to join a church without being saved making them a twofold child of hell than yourselves. Matthew 23:15

4. Woe against false oaths. Matthew 23:16-22

5. Woe against inconsistency; straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel. Matthew 23:23-24

6. Woe against false outward appearance. Matthew 23:25-26

7. Woe against outward righteousness and inward corruption. Matthew 23:27-28

8. Woe against honoring the dead and hating the living. Matthew 23:29-36

II. Jesus’ love for Jerusalem and his punishment on Jerusalem. Matthew 23:37-39