Harsh words from Jesus

 Read Matthew 23.

After several rounds of questions from the religious leaders at the Temple, Jesus turned to the crowd and spoke some of the harshest words recorded in Scripture.

First, Jesus began by encouraging the people to respect authority.  He did not agree with the Pharisees, Scribes, or Sadducees but He did honor the position they held (Romans 13).  "...so do and observe whatever they tell you..." (v.2).

Having expressed such respect, then Jesus revealed the real root of His disagreement with them.  "For they preach, but they do not practice" (v.3).  Most of this chapter is filled with specific and condemning examples.  Their motives for what they said and did were only "to be seen by others" (v.5).  Their positions fed their pride, as they arrogantly strutted among the people.  These phonies hurt the very ones they were supposed to help.  They truly had no heart for God and His word.

Here is the principle: "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (v.12)

Then, the Lord Jesus began to systematically and publicly humble them.  He pronounced 7 "Woes" of condemnation.  Many who do not know the Gospels would be surprised to read this strong list of name-calling.
"Hypocrites" (6 times)
"Child of hell" (not a child of God)
"Blind fools"
"Blind men"
"Blind guides"
"Full of greed and self-indulgence"
"Like white washed tombs" (looks good on the outside, but inside is rotten)
"Blind"
"Serpents"
"Brood of vipers"
"Sentenced to hell"
Persecutors of God's servants
Murderers

What did Jesus do?
1. "I send you prophets and wise men and scribes." (v.34) 
2. "I would have gathered you..." (v.37a)

What was the problem?
"You were not willing." (v.37b)

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)