Religious Leaders and Their Hypocrisy (Matthew 23)

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Scripture reading – Matthew 23

Jesus’ indictment of the hypocritical ways of the scribes and Pharisees continues in today’s Scripture reading, even as the shadow of the Cross grows ever closer to our Lord. Exposing the hypocrisy of their religious leaders, Christ described to the multitudes the scribes and Pharisees’ love of reputation in men’s eyes (Matthew 23:2-7).

Pharisees: Do As They Say, Not As They Do (Matthew 23:2-4)

The scribes and Pharisees aspired to “sit in Moses’ seat” and assume the authority to interpret the Law over the people. Nevertheless, Jesus warned what those religious leaders espoused, “They say, and do not” (Matthew 23:3). Instead, they bound the people with their extra-Scripture interpretations and traditions that they failed to do themselves (Matthew 23:4).

Pharisees: A Delusion of Greatness (Matthew 23:5-12)

Living in the 21^st century, we are familiar with those who pursue fame via self-promotion. Ordinary people post selfies on social media, while the wealthy hire firms dedicated to promoting and protecting their image and membership in the “A-List Crowd.” Notoriety is earned, not because of character, but because of an outlandish action or quote that might be emblazoned on billboards or go viral on the internet.

The Pharisees and scribes sought the people’s admiration by appearing religiously devout. Christ warned, “All their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, ⁶And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues” (Matthew 23:5-6).

All this they did, not to honor and glorify God, but to enjoy “greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi” (Matthew 23:7). Like some in our day who aspire to titles and offices and to be addressed as “Dr.” or “Honorable,” the Pharisees and scribes coveted “to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi” (i.e., “teacher;” Matthew 23:7). Jesus commanded the people not to call men Rabbi, father, or Master [i.e., guide], for their Father is in heaven, and “one is your Master, even Christ” (Matthew 23:8-10).

Once again, Jesus reminded the people that true greatness is evidenced in this: “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. ¹²And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:11–12).

Rather than serving and pointing men to God, the scribes and Pharisees were self-serving and sought the following and praise of men. Like the disciples who quarreled about who should be the greatest in Christ’s kingdom, the religious leaders were proud and made the people slaves to their teachings and traditions.

Closing thoughts –

The balance of today’s Scripture reading (Matthew 23:13-36) records Christ’s strong denunciation of the Pharisees. Jesus lamented the proud, pernicious effect of the scribes and Pharisees on the people. He accused them of shutting “up the kingdom of heaven,” devouring “widows’ houses, and for a pretence [to appear pious]make long prayer” (Matthew 23:13-14). Jesus warned them, saying, “Therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation” (Matthew 23:14).

Those condemnations and others throughout this chapter remind us of Christ’s insights into the heart of men and His commitment to the Cross, knowing those men were plotting His death. Matters of the heart did not burden the scribes and Pharisees. They were hypocrites who cared only for appearances (Matthew 23:25-27). They appeared “righteous unto men, but within [were] full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:28).

Despite their wickedness and hypocrisy, Jesus bemoaned the sorrows that would, in a few years, befall the people of that generation (Matthew 23:36-39). Christ would have gathered and sheltered them, “even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings” (Matthew 23:37).  Still, the people were obstinate and rejected Him. They refused to humble themselves and heed His admonitions and invitation (Matthew 23:37).

What about you, my friend? Have you humbled yourself, confessed that you are a sinner (regardless of your religious affiliations or traditions), and trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior?

Romans 10:9–10 – ⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ¹⁰For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith 

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