The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 23 Part 6 The Second Of Eight Woes On Scribes & Pharisees: The Woe Of Pretentious Prayers!
As we study the eight "Woes" Jesus pronounced up the scribes and Pharisees, we need to keep two words in mind. First, we must remember that the word "Woe" is a strong denunciation upon a people or a nation for their sins and transgressions. Therefore, when Jesus pronounced a "Woe" it announced the sure judgment of God upon scribes and Pharisees for their specific sins. Each of the eight "Woes" details a specific sin that they committed which led the people away from God, not closer to Him. The first "Woe" was against scribes and Pharisees who use traditions of men as a roadblock to keep sinners from repentant faith and entrance into Christ's kingdom. The first "Woe" is juxtaposed against the first "Beatitude" Jesus taught, about the poor in spirit who cried out to God with repentant faith and who will receive the kingdom of heaven (See Matthew 5:3). Another word we must bear in mind is the word "hypocrit...