Matthew 23 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Matthew 23

The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew, a former tax collector, had a unique perspective on the teachings and ministry of Jesus. Matthew records a series of scathing rebukes that Jesus delivered against the religious leaders of his time, the Pharisees and scribes in this chapter. Jesus condemns their hypocrisy, their love of power and status, and their failure to lead the people to true righteousness. This passage foreshadows the growing tension between Jesus and the religious establishment, which will ultimately lead to his crucifixion.

Throughout this chapter, Jesus draws upon various Old Testament passages, such as the commandments given to Moses (Exodus 20:1-17) and the warnings of the prophets against corrupt leaders (Jeremiah 23:1-4). He calls the Pharisees and scribes to account for their failure to uphold the true spirit of the law and to lead the people to a deeper relationship with God.

Matthew 23:1-4

Jesus is speaking to the crowds and his disciples in Matthew 23:1-4. This passage begins with Jesus addressing the crowds and his disciples, indicating that he is giving an important teaching intended for both his followers and those who are listening. It’s worth noting that Jesus often used Pharisees and teachers of the law as negative examples of hypocrisy and legalism. This verse serves as Jesus’ criticism of the religious leaders of his time, particularly the scribes and Pharisees.

The scribes and Pharisees were considered religious authorities in Jewish society. They were seen as the custodians of the Law of Moses and were respected for their knowledge and adherence to religious practices. However, Jesus often confronted them for their outward piety that masked their inward corruption. Jesus warns the people and the disciples not to follow the example of the scribes and Pharisees in these verses. He points out that they do not practice what they preach. The scribes and Pharisees were known for strictly enforcing the law on others but not living by it themselves. Their actions were motivated by a desire for public recognition and self-glorification rather than genuine devotion to God.

This passage serves as a reminder for all believers to live lives of authenticity and sincerity in their faith. It’s a call to examine our motives and ensure that our actions align with our beliefs. Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and genuine devotion to God rather than seeking recognition and praise from others.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently challenges the religious leaders of his time, highlighting the importance of true righteousness over mere external observance of religious practices. Jesus pronounces seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23, denouncing their hypocrisy and warning of the consequences of their actions.

This passage resonates not only with the people of Jesus’ time but also with believers today. It’s a call to examine our hearts and ensure that our faith is not just for show but is rooted in a genuine relationship with God. We should remember Jesus’ words and seek to follow his example of humility, love, and authenticity in all that we do as we strive to live out our faith.

Matthew 23:5-7

Jesus criticizes the actions of the Pharisees in Matthew 23:5-7. Let’s break down the verse into important sections for a clearer understanding.

1. Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees for their outward displays of piety and righteousness in these verses. The Pharisees were known for seeking the praise and admiration of others through their public displays of religious acts. Instead of having genuine faith and humility, they were more concerned with outward appearances and seeking recognition from people. Here, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of having sincere intentions and genuine faith that comes from the heart rather than seeking to impress others.

2. “They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long.”
   Phylacteries were small boxes containing verses of scripture that Jewish men would wear on their foreheads and arms as a symbol of their devotion to God. The size of the phylacteries and the length of their tassels were seen as signs of the wearer’s spirituality and devotion to the law. The Pharisees would often make their phylacteries and tassels larger than necessary to draw attention to themselves and appear more righteous in the eyes of others. Jesus condemns this act as hypocritical, as their external displays did not reflect the true condition of their hearts.

3. “They love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues”
   The Pharisees sought positions of honor and recognition in society, desiring to be seen as esteemed and important individuals. They craved the best seats at banquets and in the synagogues, showcasing their desire for status and prestige. Jesus warns against seeking worldly recognition and status, emphasizing the importance of humility and serving others instead of seeking self-glorification.

These verses serve as a reminder for believers to focus on cultivating a genuine relationship with God, rather than seeking approval and recognition from others. Jesus condemns the Pharisees’ hypocritical behavior and highlights the importance of humility, sincerity, and authenticity in one’s faith. Throughout the Bible, the theme of humility is emphasized, such as in Proverbs 22:4 which states, “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” Jesus often preached about the importance of humility and warned against pride and self-righteousness, as seen in Luke 14:11 when he said, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” These verses in Matthew 23 serve as a timeless message for believers to focus on cultivating a humble and sincere heart before God, rather than seeking recognition and approval from the world.

Matthew 23:8-12

Jesus speaks to the crowds and His disciples in Matthew 23:8-12, addressing the issue of titles and humility among the religious leaders of His time. Let’s break down this passage into important sections:

Verse 8: “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. Jesus emphasizes the equality among His followers and the importance of not seeking titles or positions of superiority in this verse. The term “Rabbi” was commonly used to address teachers or religious leaders with authority. Jesus emphasizes that all believers are equal before God, with Christ alone as their ultimate Teacher by instructing His disciples not to use this title. This message challenges the religious hierarchy and cultural norms of the time, reminding his followers to embrace humility and unity in their faith journey.

Verse 9: “And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.”

Here, Jesus extends His previous point about titles to the use of the term “father. Spiritual leaders or teachers could also denote ‘father’ in the Jewish context. Jesus redirects his followers to acknowledge God as the ultimate Father figure by cautioning against the use of this title. This underscores the relationship believers have with God as their Heavenly Father, and how all earthly authority figures should be viewed in light of God’s supreme authority. This teaching emphasizes the spiritual family of believers and the central role of God as the source of all authority and parentage.

Verse 10: “Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. Jesus further emphasizes the idea of humility within the community of believers by discouraging the use of the title “instructor” or “leader” in this verse.” Rather than seeking human leaders for guidance or knowledge, Jesus points His disciples to Himself as the true Instructor and Messiah. This challenges the reliance on human wisdom and authority, emphasizing the unique role of Christ in leading and teaching His followers. Through this teaching, Jesus reinforces the primacy of His guidance and the need for His disciples to align themselves under His authority alone.

Verses 11-12: “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Jesus drives home the crucial lesson of humility and service in the Kingdom of God in these concluding verses. He overturns the world’s understanding of greatness, stating that true greatness is not found in seeking titles, recognition, or power, but in serving others. Jesus challenges His followers to embody selfless love and servanthood by highlighting the paradoxical nature of the Kingdom – where the exalted are humbled and the humble are exalted. This timeless message echoes throughout the Bible, with numerous passages underscoring the importance of humility before God and others (e.g., Philippians 2:3-4, James 4:10). Matthew 23:8-12 captures Jesus’ radical teachings on humility, equality, and servant leadership within the community of believers. Through his words, Jesus challenges conventional notions of authority and greatness, redirecting His disciples to the heart of true discipleship – which involves humility, service, and a Christ-centered focus. These verses call believers to examine their attitudes towards leadership, titles, and power dynamics, urging them to reflect the servant-hearted example set by Jesus Himself.

Matthew 23:13-15

Jesus pronounces a series of seven woes upon the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:13-15, starting with the words, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” This section is a scathing rebuke by Jesus against the religious leaders of his time. Let’s break down these verses for a better understanding. Jesus declares in verse 13, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.” Here, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Despite their outward show of piety, they were actually hindering people from entering the kingdom of heaven by burdening them with man-made rules and regulations. Instead of leading people to God, they were obstructing the path to salvation.

This verse highlights the danger of religious hypocrisy and the importance of genuine faith and humility. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly emphasizes the need for inner righteousness and a sincere relationship with God over empty rituals and external displays of religion. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:20, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”” True righteousness comes from a transformed heart and a life lived in obedience to God, not from outward appearances or adherence to legalistic traditions.

Moving on to verse 14, Jesus continues, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation.” Here, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for their exploitation of the vulnerable, particularly widows. They were using their religious positions to take advantage of those in need, enriching themselves at the expense of others. Their prayers were not genuine expressions of faith but mere acts of showmanship to maintain their façade of righteousness.

This verse serves as a powerful warning against using religion for personal gain or to oppress others. The Bible is filled with examples of God’s concern for the marginalized and vulnerable in society, such as widows, orphans, and the poor. James 1:27 says, “To visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world is pure and undefiled religion before God the Father.”” True faith is demonstrated through acts of compassion and justice, not through exploitation and hypocrisy.

Lastly, in verse 15, Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.” Here, Jesus accuses the religious leaders of zealous evangelism without genuine spiritual transformation. They were focused on making converts to their religious system rather than leading people to a true relationship with God. Their efforts only served to deepen the spiritual darkness and hypocrisy in their followers.

This verse underscores the importance of authentic discipleship and the dangers of false teaching. The verse in 2 Timothy 3:5 warns about having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Avoid such people.” True discipleship involves not just sharing beliefs but modeling a life of obedience to God and genuine love for others. The goal is not just to make converts but to make disciples who are truly transformed by the power of the Gospel. The passage in Matthew 23:13-15 serves as a poignant reminder of God’s desire for sincere faith, humility, compassion, and true discipleship. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and motives in our relationship with God and others. May we strive to embody the values of the Kingdom of Heaven, seeking righteousness, mercy, and love above all else.

Matthew 23:16-22

Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:16-22, calling them blind guides and hypocrites. Let’s break down this passage into important sections to understand the depth of Jesus’ message in this context.

Firstly, in verses 16-18, Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their legalistic approach to oaths. He points out that they would swear by the gold of the temple, considering it binding, but would not consider an oath binding if sworn by the temple that sanctifies the gold. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy in using technicalities to avoid their true responsibilities. This highlights a theme that runs through the New Testament regarding the importance of integrity and sincerity over outward appearances and legalism.

Secondly, in verses 19-22, Jesus condemns their twisted priorities, focusing on minor details while neglecting the weightier matters of the law such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He uses the example of tithing mint, dill, and cumin (small herbs) while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, which are foundational principles of the law. This rebuke challenges the religious leaders to reevaluate their values and priorities, reminding them that God desires not just religious observance but also a heart transformed by love and compassion.

Through these rebukes, Jesus is challenging the religious leaders to go beyond mere external observance of rules and rituals. His message emphasizes the importance of genuine faith, mercy, and justice. This passage serves as a cautionary tale for believers of all time to examine their own motives and priorities in serving God. It reminds us that God values authenticity and integrity in our faith walk over mere outward displays of religiosity.

The rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 is not an isolated incident in Jesus’ ministry. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus confronting religious leaders who prioritize legalism and hypocrisy over genuine faith and compassion. This theme is consistent with the broader message of the Bible, where God consistently calls His people to love Him with their whole hearts and to love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Matthew 23:16-22 serves as a powerful reminder for us to examine our own hearts and motives in our relationship with God. It challenges us to prioritize justice, mercy, and faithfulness over mere religious rituals and external appearances. Jesus’ words to the scribes and Pharisees in this passage continue to resonate today, urging us to seek a deep, authentic relationship with God based on love, integrity, and compassion.

Matthew 23:23-24

Jesus addresses the religious leaders, particularly the scribes and Pharisees, in Matthew 23:23-24, criticizing them for their outward display of righteousness while neglecting truly important matters of the law. This passage can be broken down into different sections for a more in-depth analysis. Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” in the first part of the passage. For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” Here, Jesus is highlighting the religious leaders’ meticulous observance of minor details such as tithing even on the smallest herbs, while they ignore the more significant principles of justice, mercy, and faith. This is a powerful reminder for us today to not get caught up in legalistic practices or rituals but to focus on the core values of love, compassion, and faith.

Jesus goes on to say, “These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” This statement reinforces the idea that observing religious practices like tithing is important, but it should not come at the expense of neglecting the broader principles of justice, mercy, and faith. The emphasis is on maintaining a balance between outward observance and inner transformation, between following the rules and living out the spirit of the law.

The passage concludes with Jesus saying, “You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!” This vivid imagery portrays the absurdity of focusing on minor issues while ignoring major ones. The scribes and Pharisees were so meticulous in filtering out tiny impurities from their food (straining out a gnat) but were completely missing the greater sins (swallowing a camel) in their own lives. This serves as a warning against hypocrisy and the danger of prioritizing external appearances over true righteousness. Jesus’ scathing rebuke of the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, pride, and legalism is part of the larger context of Matthew 23. Throughout this chapter, Jesus exposes their wickedness and warns of the consequences of their actions. This theme of confronting religious hypocrisy and emphasizing the importance of genuine piety is a recurring theme in Jesus’ teachings. Matthew 23:23-24 serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize justice, mercy, and faith over mere outward observance of religious rituals. It challenges us to examine our motives and intentions, ensuring that our actions are rooted in love and genuine devotion to God. The passage underscores the timeless message that true righteousness comes from a transformed heart and a sincere desire to follow God’s will, rather than simply going through the motions of religious practice.

Matthew 23:25-28

Jesus addresses the religious leaders, specifically the Pharisees, and condemns their hypocrisy in Matthew 23:25-28. Let’s break down this passage into smaller sections for a detailed commentary:

Verse 25: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.”

Here, Jesus uses the metaphor of a cup and dish to illustrate the superficial righteousness of the Pharisees. They were meticulous about following outward rituals and laws to appear righteous to others, but internally, they were corrupt. This highlights the importance of genuine faith and righteousness that comes from the heart, rather than mere external appearances. Jesus in Luke 11:39-40 also criticizes the Pharisees for their focus on outward cleanliness while neglecting the importance of inner purity. This teaches us the timeless message that true piety involves not just external actions but also a genuine transformation of the heart.

Verse 26: “Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.”

Jesus calls the Pharisees “blind” because they were spiritually blind to their own hypocrisy and lack of inner transformation. He emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and inner purity as the foundation for righteous actions. This echoes the message in 1 Samuel 16:7 that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances. It reminds us that true righteousness flows from a heart surrendered to God and transformed by His grace.

Verse 27: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”

Jesus further rebukes the Pharisees by comparing them to whitewashed tombs that are externally beautiful but internally full of decay and uncleanness. This vivid imagery highlights the contrast between their outward appearance of righteousness and their inward spiritual death. Jesus expands on this analogy in Luke 11:44, emphasizing that the Pharisees were like unmarked graves that people unwittingly walked over, becoming spiritually unclean. This serves as a powerful warning against hypocrisy and emphasizes the importance of integrity and authenticity in our relationship with God and others. You appear to people as righteous on the outside, but you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness on the inside.”

This final verse drives home the message of internal versus external righteousness. The Pharisees were masters at projecting an image of piety and righteousness to the public while harboring sin and wickedness within. Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our own hearts and motives, reminding us that true righteousness is not about appearances but about a genuine love for God and others. This aligns with Proverbs 4:23, which instructs us to guard our hearts above all else, for it determines the course of our lives. Matthew 23:25-28 exposes the danger of hypocrisy and emphasizes the importance of inner purity and authenticity in one’s relationship with God. It serves as a timeless reminder to prioritize a genuine transformation of the heart over outward appearances, echoing the consistent biblical theme that God values sincerity and integrity above religious performances.

Matthew 23:29-32

Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees, condemning their hypocrisy and false righteousness in Matthew 23:29-32. Let’s break down this passage into important sections for a deeper understanding.

1. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous.”
   Here, Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for portraying themselves as righteous by honoring the prophets of the past while, in reality, they don’t follow the teachings of these prophets. They put on a show of reverence by building tombs and decorating monuments, but their hearts are far from the true message of the prophets. This highlights the hypocrisy of focusing on external appearances and traditions rather than true faith and obedience to God’s word.

2. “If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.”
   The scribes and Pharisees claim that they would not have participated in the persecution of the prophets if they had lived in the past. This statement is filled with irony because, in reality, they were rejecting and even planning to kill the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was the ultimate fulfillment of the prophets’ message. Their arrogance and self-righteousness blinded them to their own sinful nature and the true meaning of the prophets’ words.

3. “Thus you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets.”
   Jesus exposes the scribes and Pharisees’ hypocrisy by pointing out that their actions align more with those who persecuted the prophets rather than those who honored them. They were indeed following in the footsteps of their forefathers who rejected the prophets sent by God throughout history by rejecting Jesus, the greatest prophet and the Messiah.

The message in this passage is a powerful reminder that true righteousness is not based on outward displays of religiosity or lineage but on a genuine relationship with God marked by humility, love, and obedience. It also serves as a warning against the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of sincere faith. The scribes and Pharisees exemplify a cautionary tale of how self-righteousness and legalism can lead one astray from the heart of God’s commands, ultimately missing the true essence of religion – love for God and love for others (Matthew 22:37-40).

Matthew 23:33-36

Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:33-36, calling them a brood of vipers and asking how they can escape being sentenced to hell. This is a powerful section where Jesus confronts the religious leaders of the time with harsh words due to their hypocrisy and lack of true righteousness. The term “brood of vipers” indicates that they are deceptive and dangerous, like the offspring of snakes known for their cunning nature.

Jesus warns them that they will be held accountable for all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom they murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. This passage carries a strong message about the consequences of rejecting God’s messengers and failing to live according to His will. Abel was the son of Adam and Eve, known for his righteousness and for being the victim of the first murder recorded in the Bible when his brother Cain killed him out of jealousy (Genesis 4:1-16). Zechariah son of Berekiah refers to a different Zechariah mentioned in 2 Chronicles 24:20-22, who was a righteous man stoned to death by command of Joash, the king of Judah, for speaking out against the people’s idolatry.

The reference to Abel and Zechariah is significant as it symbolizes the shedding of innocent blood throughout the Old Testament, from the beginning to the end of the Hebrew Bible. Jesus implies that the guilt of all the innocent blood ever shed will be required of the scribes and Pharisees by mentioning these two figures, as they have continued in the same pattern of rejecting God’s messengers and persecuting the righteous.

This passage serves as a warning to all believers to live authentically according to God’s will and not fall into the trap of hypocrisy or self-righteousness. It also shows the importance of recognizing and respecting God’s messengers and those who speak the truth, as rejecting them can lead to severe consequences. Jesus’ words in this passage emphasize the accountability we have for our actions and the importance of genuine faith and righteousness.

Matthew 23:37-39

Jesus expresses deep sorrow over the city of Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37-39, lamenting its history of rejecting God’s messengers and prophets. This passage reveals Jesus’ love and compassion for His people, especially as He reflects on the impending destruction of the city. Let’s break down this verse further:

1. The first section of this passage begins with Jesus lamenting, “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, and you were not willing. Jesus uses the image of a hen gathering her chicks as a symbol of protection and care in this lamentation. He is expressing His desire to shield and protect the people of Jerusalem, just as a mother hen would shelter her young. However, despite His longing to gather them close to Him, the people of Jerusalem have consistently rejected God’s messengers, leading to their impending judgment.

2. The next section continues with Jesus lamenting, “Look, your house is left to you desolate.” Here, Jesus pronounces a judgment on the city of Jerusalem, foretelling its desolation due to its rejection of Him as the Messiah. This pronouncement points to the coming destruction of Jerusalem, which historically occurred in AD 70 when the Roman Empire destroyed the city and the Second Temple.

3. The passage concludes with Jesus saying, “For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” This statement hints at a future reconciliation between Jesus and the people of Jerusalem. It speaks to the concept of repentance and acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah. Only when the people recognize Jesus as the one who comes in the name of the Lord will they truly see Him again.

This passage in Matthew 23:37-39 serves as a poignant reminder of God’s mercy, judgment, and longing for His people to return to Him. Jesus’ words reflect the historical pattern of Israel rejecting God’s messengers, leading to divine judgment. The image of a hen gathering her chicks underscores God’s desire to protect and care for His people, despite their rebellion. It also points to the importance of accepting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah for reconciliation and restoration. This passage emphasizes the need for repentance, faith, and recognition of Jesus’ lordship as essential components of a restored relationship with God. The passage echoes the themes found throughout the Bible, particularly in the prophets’ messages to Israel and Judah. The rejection of prophets and messengers, the call for repentance, and the promise of restoration are recurring themes in the Old Testament. For example, in Jeremiah 7:25-26, God laments how His people did not listen or incline their ears but stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers. The consequences of disobedience and rejection of God’s word are also evident in the Old Testament, such as the Babylonian exile of Judah due to their persistent rebellion (2 Chronicles 36:15-21). Jesus’ deep love and sorrow for Jerusalem is captured in Matthew 23:37-39, highlighting the consequences of rejecting Him as the Messiah. It underscores the need for repentance, faith, and recognition of Jesus’ divine authority. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God’s enduring love for His people, His desire for reconciliation, and the importance of responding to His call with obedient hearts.

After Matthew 23

Jesus strongly rebukes the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and lack of true righteousness in Matthew 23. He warns the crowds to not follow their example but to instead live lives of humility and genuine faith. Let us heed His words and strive to live in a way that truly honors God, with sincerity and love for others. We reflect on the teachings of Jesus in this chapter, inspiring us to examine our own hearts and actions, seeking to align them with His will. We will walk in the light of His truth, shining brightly for all to see, as we continue our journey of faith in the chapters to come.