Matthew 23:13–24: Neglecting Weightier Matters
Introduction
After Jesus had warned the crowds and his disciples about the scribes and the Pharisees in the last section, he now turns to address the scribes and the Pharisees directly. In this section, Jesus begins a series of seven “woes,” where he proclaims judgment against their false teaching. It is interesting to see how Jesus’ critiques move from seemingly minor matters to outright murder, from least to greatest. Nevertheless, Jesus rebukes them even from the beginning of these woes for a false religious system that binds people in hell. Jesus shows how the Pharisees have created a heavy and burdensome religion that cannot accomplish what they hope. By exposing this system as corrupt and bankrupt, Jesus shows that only the gospel can lift the weight of the law.
Discussion Questions
1. What does Jesus mean by the word “woe” (v. 13a)? Who were the “scribes and Pharisees” (v. 13b)? What does Jesus mean by the word, “hypocrites” (v. 13c)? In what sense do the scribes and Pharisees “shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces” (v. 13d)? What is wrong with their missionary zeal (v. 13e)? How do you think that Jesus’ criticisms here should shape the way that we understand the ministry of the church?
2. Why were the scribes and Pharisees so concerned with determining the criteria that made oaths binding (vv. 16–22)? What kinds of strategies did they use to evade the binding requirements of those oaths? Why does Jesus reject their approach? Why do you think that Jesus begins with the issue of swearing oaths that we would consider to be relatively minor? How does our honesty reflect on the glory of God?
3. Why were the scribes and Pharisees so concerned with tithing their herbs and spices (v. 23a)? What do you think is the connection between scrupulous tithing and a failure to practice justice, mercy, and faithfulness (v. 23b)? Does Jesus reject the practice of tithing altogether with his rebuke (v. 23c)? In what areas are you concerned to strain out a gnat? In what areas might you be swallowing a camel (v. 24)?
4. What have you learned so far from all that Jesus has taught about the dangers of Pharisaic legalism? How does legalism differ from a true zeal for righteousness? Are there aspects of legalism that the church struggles with today? What are the aspects of legalism that you have recognized within your own heart? What would it mean to embrace the fullness of the gospel to lift the weight of the law in your life?
