13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.”
15 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.”
In our verses for today Jesus begins shooting His arrows of “Woes” - hitting the bull’s eye, so to speak, of His “prominent” targets. Those “high-browed” teachers of the law and Pharisees were no doubt standing there shell shocked - wide eyed and open mouthed - over our Lord’s rebuking Words. Jesus came to earth to bless and furthermore He loved to bless making these “Woes” all the more remarkably standout. Jesus’ language of “Woes” was particularly amazing given the gentleness and meekness of His character. His pronouncing them over the religious elite must have surely taken His rural followers by surprise as well. Over and over in the Gospels we are told of the compassion of our Lord Jesus:
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matt 9:36 (NIV)
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. Mark 1:40-42 (NIV)
“Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love Thou art.” Charles Wesley
Yet, we see here His anger kindled over the actions of those who were to be the leaders of His people. These “Woes” stand in opposition to the beatitudes given earlier in Matthew by our Lord. Actually in mercy, this was Jesus’ warning to the religious elite of their ultimate destruction if they continued on in their present path. It is not wrong to yell “fire” when the house is burning down. These “Woes” also denounce false religion as being totally abhorrent to God. Those who lead others astray through feigned faith - according to Jesus - are headed for sure destruction unless they turn in repentance. I am reminded of Jesus’ Word in Mark:
42 “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.” Mark 9:42 (NIV)
These leaders were not only failing to enter the Kingdom of God they were also preventing others from entering by their poor example. I am reminded of Paul’s earnest desire never to cause anyone to stumble:
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God-- 33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Cor 10:31-11:1 (NIV)
These religious elite were hypocritical to the core. They were mere stage players in religion acting out the part with no changed heart. Their works and words were for mere men to see and applaud. They were staunch enemies to the Gospel of Christ and consequently to the souls of men. While in their positions they could have helped many to heaven they instead shut the kingdom’s gate to them – loving to lord their authority over them. Being the big dog floated their boats. They made it their business to prejudice many against the Lord Jesus and His doctrine through prideful bullying. I am reminded of an incident in John clearly showing these leaders despicable ways:
45 Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn't you bring him in?” 46 “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards declared. 47 “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. 48 “Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law--there is a curse on them.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, 51 “Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?” 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.” John 7:45-52 (NIV)
Finding humility distasteful, these religious leaders could not put up with a religion that demanded so much of it. They were much too proud to stoop so low. Also, repentance is the door leading to salvation and of course these great imposters were not thinking of turning from their wicked ways – nothing would have been more disagreeable to them. But that was not all of Jesus’ fury with them. They were not only forfeiting their souls by their refusal to enter the kingdom of heaven, they blocked those who were trying to. Multitudes rejected the Savior following their religious leader’s leads. They used all their wit and power against Him to serve their malice. It is no wonder Jesus gives them a “Woe”, “Woe” for their deeply rooted enmity to the kingdom of heaven.
“The man who has been born again, and who has the divine nature within him, is a man who is righteous and his righteousness does exceed that of the ...Pharisees. He is no longer living for self and his own attainments, he is no longer self-righteous and self satisfied. He has become poor in spirit, meek and merciful. He hungers and thirsts after righteousness...He loves God, yes, unworthily, alas, but he loves Him and longs for His glory...(this) is a righteousness that far exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.” D. Martin Lloyd-Jones