Question 1

What does it mean that the scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says the scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat, he is talking about their role as teachers of God’s law. They read and explain what Moses wrote, so in that sense they sit where Moses sat. Jesus tells the people to listen when these leaders truly teach God’s commands, but not to copy their behavior. Their position is real, but their lives do not match their words. This helps us see that God’s word is still good, even when some leaders who teach it are not living rightly.

Question 2

Why does Jesus call the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites so many times?

Accepted Answer

Jesus calls them hypocrites because they say one thing and do another. They load people down with strict rules but will not lift a finger to help. They make a show of their religion so others will praise them, while inside they are full of greed and sin. They clean the outside of the cup but leave the inside filthy. By repeating “woe to you, hypocrites,” Jesus shows how serious it is to pretend to be godly while blocking others from truly knowing God.

Question 3

What are the “heavy burdens” that the religious leaders put on people?

Accepted Answer

The “heavy burdens” are the long lists of rules and traditions the leaders added to God’s law. They demanded strict obedience from others, but did not keep these rules themselves. Instead of using God’s commands to guide people in love and mercy, they turned them into hard loads that weighed people down. Jesus points out that true teachers should help people come to God, not make it nearly impossible. Their harsh use of the law showed a lack of compassion and real obedience in their own hearts.

Question 4

What does Jesus mean by the greatest being a servant and the humble being exalted?

Accepted Answer

Jesus explains that in God’s kingdom greatness is the opposite of what people usually think. The leaders wanted titles, special seats, and public honor. Jesus says his followers should not chase after such praise. Instead, the one who is truly great is the one who serves others. Those who lift themselves up will be brought low by God, but those who lower themselves in humility will be lifted up by God. This teaches that God values a serving heart more than position, title, or outward respect.

Question 5

Why does Jesus rebuke tithing mint and cumin but praise weightier matters of the law?

Accepted Answer

Jesus does not say it is wrong to tithe small garden herbs like mint, anise, and cumin. He says, “these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” The problem is that the leaders focused on tiny details while ignoring what he calls the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. They strained out a gnat but swallowed a camel. This shows that God cares deeply about how we treat others and whether we trust him, not just about outward religious habits.

Question 6

What does Jesus mean by calling them whited sepulchres?

Accepted Answer

A whited sepulchre is a tomb that has been whitewashed so it looks clean and bright on the outside. Inside, though, it is full of dead bones and uncleanness. Jesus uses this picture to describe the scribes and Pharisees. Outwardly they appear very religious and righteous. People might look at them and think they are holy. But inside, Jesus says they are full of hypocrisy and sin. He is showing that God sees the heart. Looking good on the outside does not hide what is truly going on within.

Question 7

Why does Jesus speak so strongly about devouring widows’ houses?

Accepted Answer

Jesus says the leaders devour widows’ houses and for a show make long prayers. Widows were some of the most vulnerable people in that society. Instead of protecting them, these men took advantage of them, likely using their position and pious image to gain money or property. Then they covered this greed with long, impressive prayers. Jesus warns that this kind of double sin, hurting the weak while pretending to be holy, will bring greater judgment. God cares about how the weak are treated.

Question 8

What is happening when Jesus mentions Abel and Zacharias?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus speaks of the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias, he is summarizing a long history of violence against God’s messengers. Abel was the first righteous person murdered in Scripture. Zacharias, son of Barachias, was a godly man killed in the temple area. By naming them, Jesus says that the same spirit that killed the prophets in the past is present in the leaders who are about to reject him and persecute his followers. It shows how serious their rejection of God’s word is.

Question 9

Why does Jesus weep over Jerusalem and say its house is left desolate?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the passage, Jesus cries out over Jerusalem as a city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to it. He says he often wanted to gather its children like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they were not willing. “Your house is left to you desolate” points to God’s presence and protection being withdrawn because of long, stubborn rejection. It shows both Jesus’ deep compassion and the real cost of refusing God’s call again and again.

Question 10

How should believers today respond to Jesus’ warning against hypocrisy?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites believers to look at their own hearts. Instead of only thinking about the faults of past leaders, we are called to ask whether our faith is just for show or real on the inside. We should care about justice, mercy, and faith, not just outward habits. Titles and recognition are not what matter most; serving others in humility does. It also reminds believers to be careful about who they follow, respecting God’s word while not copying the pride, greed, or empty religion that Jesus condemns.

Matthew 23:1

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

Woes to Scribes and Pharisees

Pharisaism Exposed

Eight Woes

Woes to Scribes and Pharisees

Lament over Jerusalem

Lament over Jerusalem

Woes to Scribes and Pharisees

Pharisaism Exposed

Cross References

Matthew 23:1

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

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Woes to Scribes and Pharisees

Pharisaism Exposed

Eight Woes

Woes to Scribes and Pharisees

Lament over Jerusalem

Lament over Jerusalem

Woes to Scribes and Pharisees

Pharisaism Exposed

Cross References