Matthew 23

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness ...You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel” (23-24). Jesus condemned the religious leaders who taught the Law but lived for public admiration (1-5). They looked good on the outside but were “full of greed and self-indulgence” (25). They had access to God’s truth yet distorted it and hurt others in the process (13-15).

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled ...” (12). Our desire to be “exalted” can block us from the refuge Jesus offers (37). Yet he pours out grace to the humble.