Matthew 23:23-39

Continuing with illustrating where the scribes and Pharisees had gotten off track, Jesus pointed out that they were very meticulous about keeping some of the finer points of the law like tithing, but at the same time neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness. We can't pick and choose what parts of God's law we follow. Picking the easy stuff or the stuff we like is not pleasing to God. We can't be perfect in everything, but we shouldn't ignore the parts that are inconvenient or uncomfortable for us.

The Pharisees and scribes were very concerned with outward appearances and how they looked to others, but did not take any time to improve themselves on the inside. Jesus knew their hearts and minds were impure despite how much they attempted to look good for everyone else. He compared them to cups which are washed only on the outside and not the inside and to whitewashed tombs that no matter how clean they looked still had the remains of the dead inside. Living a good life on the outside does not fool God. He sees inside each of us and judges our motives more than our actions.

They built and/or repaired tombs for the prophets that had been slain before their time, and making statements that they would not have been guilty of shedding their blood if they had lived during that time. Jesus knew that at this time they were plotting to kill Him. Moreover, Jesus prophesied that more prophets would be sent and that these Pharisees would do the same to them. They did not see that they were exactly like the ancestors they condemned. They were quick to see the speck in their ancestors' eye while ignoring the log in their own.


Jesus condemns Jerusalem after all of this saying that He wanted to save them, but they were unwilling, even to the point of killing the messengers sent to them. They had had their chances, and now the temple would no longer be a place of worship and eventually would be destroyed. Jesus wants every one of us to be saved, but those who do not willingly accept Him will not be given His grace and protection. If we say we want no part of Him, should we be surprised when He withdraws His hand?