LESSON 60

Last week we examined the Construction and erection of the Tabernacle, and today we consider Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees.

MEMORY VERSE: “All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not” (Matthew 23:3)

TEXTS: Matthew 23:1-39;Luke 11:37-54; 13:31-35

The scribes and Pharisees in the New Testament were custodians of the law and regarded as spiritual guides among the Jews. They held sway in the land of Israel because the people looked up to them for proper interpretation of the law. While the Scribes were copiers of the law, the Pharisees interpreted and taught same. During His earthly ministry, Christ engaged them on many occasions on matters of the interpretation and application of the law as well as their conduct among the people. It was very clear on the numerous occasions that these teachers of the law had muddled up and destroyed the purpose for which the law was given.

That which was meant to point people to Christ and make them serve God in holiness and righteousness, became instruments of deception, hypocrisy and offence. It was obvious that they were “…walking in craftiness… [and] handling the word of God deceitfully..” (2 Corinthians 4:2). “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers”(Matthew 23:4). Their recalcitrance and refusal to embrace the new light occasioned the numerous woes Christ pronounced against them. Those who refuse to accept the light of the gospel and continue in error risk heavier judgment from the Lord. Christ warned His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He also cautioned them against the love of position, human praise and self-exaltation.  (Matthew 23:9-12).

1.  DECEITFULNESS OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES

Matthew 23:1-12; Luke 11:37-41; 12:1; Ezekiel 33:31; Mark 7:6; 12:38; Matthew 6:5,5:20;Titus 1:6.

It is obvious from the statements Christ made about the scribes and Pharisees that they were deceptive both in conduct and practice. “…The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not” (Matthew 23:2,3). One, they assumed a position they were not morally qualified to occupy. Moses’ seat is a metaphor for leadership, legislation, integrity, discipline and religious authority. It represents power and authority exercised on God’s behalf by His servants. Christian leadership must not be considered from the perspective of personal gain, but a laudable and exceptional opportunity for service to humanity. Two, as legislators and lawmakers in Israel, the scribes and Pharisees taught one thing and practiced another; they talked of good works but did none.

Their manner contradicted their message. Three, they prescribed very strict and tedious rules about tithing, Sabbath, swearing and traditions for others, but they would not observe the same (verse 4; Mark 7:3,5). Four, whatever they did was to receive the applause of men (verse 5). Their prayers, fasting, alms deeds and good works were meant to attract public praise because they were neither interested in God’s glory nor His approval. Five, pride was their second nature as they preferred chief seats and prominent places, even in the synagogues.

Six, they liked to be called by great titles of Rabbi or Master, whether or not they were qualified to take it. Yet Chris warned His disciples not to be ambitious of titles to the neglect of good and godly conduct (verses 8-11). The Lord is displeased with church leaders who merely use God and religion to serve their selfish interest, or want their followers to reverence and worship them.

Such were the dishonest nature of the scribes and Pharisees that the Lord said “...unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which  is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1). Hypocrisy should find no place in the heart of those who come near to God for service and worship. As believers, we are admonished to avoid the pitfalls of these religious bigots as a precondition for getting to heaven (Matthew 5:20). Unfortunately, the scribes and Pharisees, though accredited expositors of the law and highly esteemed by the people of Israel, did not live as models of virtues.

2.  DENUNCIATION OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES 

Matthew 23:13-36;Luke 11:42-52; 20:46; Isaiah 9:16-18; Malachi 2:8,9;Jeremiah 18:15-17;Ezekiel 44:10.

God detests pride, arrogance, hypocrisy and self-praise wherever they are found, whether among those who 0ccupy top positions in religious or secular world. Thus, the Lord profiled the lifestyle of these religious sects and pronounced woes on them. By their lifestyle, they were not fit for the kingdom of God. “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in” (Matthew 23:13).

First, the scribes and Pharisees, through their lifestyle, made it difficult for people to believe and accept the gospel. They prejudiced the people’s minds against the new light coming from the doctrine of Christ. While they were sworn enemies to the conversion of souls to Christ, they compassed sea and land to make proselytes to themselves (Matthew 23:15). They caused the people to err: “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed” (Isaiah 9:16). Second, they fleeced widows and orphans out of their meagre resources and “..for a pretence make long prayer…” (Matthew 23:14).

This practice denotes covetousness and oppression (Micah 3:3) and a display of piety for selfish advantage. Third, they seemed to be meticulous with strict observance of religious traditions and rites, but in their comportment they were vile. Fourth, they gave detailed attention to the letter of the law, but neglected the spirit behind the law (Matthew 23:16-22). Fifth, they majored in the minor, neglecting very important ordinances and playing up non-essentials. Sixth, they were fair externally, like sepulchers, which appear beautiful outward, but foul within, full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Seventh, they carefully avoided Levitical defilements but by no means pay attention to the depravity in their hearts. It is unreasonable to cleanse the outside of the platter if the inside is dirty. Clean hands and pure hearts are required (Psalm 24:3,4).

Eighth, they were sanctimonious by protesting against the murder of the prophets, yet plotted to murder Christ, to whom all the prophets bore witness. They pretended a deal of kindness to the memory of the prophets; they honored their relics, built their tombs and garnished their sepulchers, yet they persecuted the righteous that were present with them. The Pharisees’ response to the Lord’s rebuke was the height of their hypocrisy. Rather than be sober and repentant as the Lord denounced them,“…the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him“(Luke 11:53,54).

Children of God should avoid preachers, pastors and ministers who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work, reprobate” (Titus 1:16). The cup of God’s wrath awaits all hypocrites except they repent. There is hope for all hypocrites and vain worshippers while the days of mercy last. They must repent now and believe the gospel. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7). 

3.  DESOLATION OF JERUSALEM PROPHESIED

Matthew 23:37-39;Luke 13:31-35; 19:41-44; Jeremiah 26:18;Micah 3:12

The Lord ended His somber message on a very sad note. He lamented over the future fate of Jerusalem: “0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matthew 23:37). He repeated the name of the city for emphasis and on account of the intensity of His passion and pity against the judgment that awaited it. The sins of Jerusalem were many. They repeatedly rejected every entreaty to return to their Maker (Proverbs 1:24; Isaiah 1:18; Ezekiel 18:31).

Instead, they dealt treacherously with the prophets that were sent to them; they killed some, stoned others and a good number were imprisoned. They rejected the messengers of God sent to guide them in the way, word and will of God. Their rulers, kings and prophets were accessories to the destruction of these messengers and their messages (Jeremiah 8:9; Luke 4:29). The glory of God departed from the temple as soon as Christ deserted it. It was no more the house of God but “your house”. “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord”(Matthew 23:38,39). Christ’s last words left a mixed message of sadness and a glimmer of hope and an assurance of mercy for Israel.

Sadness because there would be a period of blindness, in part, for them (Romans 11:25), but as He gazed through the protracted period of their unbelief, He saw the great restoration in the future, when “…they shall look on him whom they pierced”(John 19:37; Zechariah 12:10). “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob“(Romans 11:26). Today, the gospel message out to all and sundry. Sinners are enjoined to embrace it, repent and make right their lives. Believers are admonished to shun all forms of hypocrisy and duplicity. There is a tone of soberness in the voice of the Lord because those who reject the offer of grace today have no other way of escape from the wrath of God.

Questions for Review: 

1.Why did the Lord warn His disciples against the lifestyle of the scribes and Pharisees?

2.Why did Christ denounce the scribes and Pharisees?

3.What does it mean to sit in Moses’ seat, and how should Christian leaders relate to those they lead?

4. Describe the character traits that befit a disciple of Christ.

5.What can we learn from the leadership style of our Lord Jesus Christ?

6.Give some reasons believers should imbibe the virtue of humility and keep away from pride and self-exaltation.

7.What should be done to retain the presence and power of the Lord in our places of worship.

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