THE HYPOCRISY OF THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Matthew 23
- Read verses 1-12. What did Jesus tell the crowds and his disciples about the religious leaders (1-7)? In what senses should his disciples be different from them (8-12)?
- Read verses 13-24. How did the Pharisees shut the door of the kingdom of God (13-15)? In what sense, were they “blind guides” (16-24)?
- Read verses 25-36. In what senses were they hypocritical (25-28, 13, 15, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29)? Why did Jesus call them, “brood of vipers” (29-36)?
- Read verses 37-39. Why did Jesus lament over Jerusalem (37)? What would happen to Jerusalem (38,39)?
- What sins of the religious leaders and Jerusalem does Jesus point out? In what senses is this passage relevant to us?