JESUS REBUKES THE PHARISEES

Matthew 23:1-39
Key Verse: 23:37

    "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those
     sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children
     together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you
     were not willing."


1.  Read verses 1-4. What did Jesus tell the crowds and his disciples
   about the life and teachings of the Pharisees? Read verses 5-12. How
   and why did the Pharisees show off? In what ways must Jesus'
   disciples be different?

2.  Read verses 13-22. How did the Pharisees' teaching shut the door of
   the kingdom of God? How can the door be opened? Why did Jesus call
   them "blind guides"? How did their vow-making show their materialism
   and greed? (cf. Mt 6:24)

3.  Read verses 23-26. How did their petty concerns further reveal
   their spiritual blindness? What does it mean to strain out a gnat
   and swallow a camel? What makes the inside dirty? Read verses 27-28.
   What illustrates their spiritual corruption?

4.  Read verses 29-36. How did the Pharisees unwittingly admit that
   they were enemies of God? How and why did Jesus rebuke them? Why did
   God send the prophets? Who were the martyrs whom Jesus mentions?
   What would happen to them?

5.  Read verses 37-39. What was God's original purpose for Jerusalem?
   (See Isa 2:1-3) How had God tried to turn them to himself? How did
   Jesus express his love and longing for God's people? His sorrow? Why
   is it such a serious matter to reject God's love?