After reading Matthew chapter 23 all I can say is, Wow! Jesus does not hold back as He condemns the religious leaders. Six (6) time Jesus says “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!”, He also says “Woe to you, blind guides!”, and finally He calls them “You snakes! You brood of vipers!” Jesus does not mince word with these men who are supposed to be leaders. They are more concerned with how they appear than with the spiritual health of the Jews. As I read this I could not help but think of those who call themselves leaders of our faith, along with myself as a believer. Are we hypocrites? Are we blind guides? Are we a brood of vipers? I hope not. But if we are, we know exactly how Jesus feels about it.
2012 Day 71 – Matthew 23
11 Sunday Mar 2012
Posted in Daily Reading
Daily Devotion 
You’re right Dino, Jesus isn’t messing around here. v 3, “Don’t do what they do because they don’t practice what they preach.” v 4, “they tie heavy loads around people’s necks but aren’t willing to lift a finger themselves.” v 6, “they love places of honor, they loved to be called ‘Rabbi’.” I’ll have to admit that some, if not all of these have applied to me at some point in my own life. I have to constantly guard against pride as I continue to grow in my walk and as I encourage and lead others to grow as they develop.
This is a great chapter for all of us who lead others to constantly come back to keep our priorities and pride in check.
This chapter is a great reminder to be real, to be introspective about my walk. I also thought it was interesting that the lament over Jerusalem followed this. I wonder how many times Christ has called to me to gather me closer to Him that ihave missed it like Jerusalem. Oh that I would be more and more aware of His voice and calling.