Throughout His ministry, Jesus was unafraid of challenging false beliefs, corrupt systems, and hypocritical leaders. In Matthew 23, we read of Jesus’s fiery rebukes made to the most influential religious leaders of the time—the Pharisees and the scribes.
The term Pharisee likely comes from an ancient Semitic word meaning “separated.” Pharisees committed their lives to separating themselves from any sign of impurity according to Levitical law. In their aspirations to holiness, they elevated the importance of tradition surrounding the law of Moses and devoted themselves to fulfilling every detail of the law.
The scribes were Jewish men who studied the law, transcribed it, and wrote commentaries on it. They were highly regarded teachers of the people and interpreters of the law.
I would have imagined that Jesus, a rabbi and fellow teacher of the law, would commend the Pharisees and the scribes for their zealous devotion to God’s Word and the pursuit of holiness. Shockingly, it’s these so-called righteous Jewish leaders Jesus most harshly confronted. It’s never a good day when the Savior of the world calls you white-washed tombs and snakes (Matthew 23:27,33).
Why? Because their worship had become self-absorbed. Instead of seeking to serve those around them, they sought out opportunities to be seen as important. Instead of influencing others to worship the Lord in awe and wonder, they leveraged their leadership to stroke their egos and puff up their pride. Their leadership wasn’t centered around pleasing God or helping others but rather on elevating their own status.
Jesus called His disciples to a different type of leadership—one characterized not by what a leader can gain but what a leader can give. Jesus modeled for His disciples and followers a style of leadership not defined by control, manipulation, or power but one grounded in humility, love, and faithfulness. Jesus showed us leadership that wasn’t self-absorbed but God-centered and others-oriented.
This type of loyal and loving leadership glorifies God and is rewarded in His kingdom (1Peter 5:4). It empowers others to know Jesus and to make Him known to others. It’s this type of shepherding that God is looking to use to further His redemptive plan on the earth.
As we reflect on today’s reading, we need to ask if there’s a bit of the Pharisee or scribe in us that needs to be challenged or even rebuked. In what ways is Jesus calling you to lay down selfish ambitions for the much greater pursuit of serving others? How can you choose to practice humbly helping those around you without worrying about what you can get out of it? How can you look inward a bit less and look upward and outward a bit more this week?
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36 thoughts on "Jesus Rebukes the Religious Leaders"
As Jesus laments over Jerusalem expressing His desire to gather His people as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they were not willing. He prophesies the desolation of their house; asserts they will not see Him again until they declare:
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”
This devotional was a great reminder. Practice what you preach! I feel in my older years I have become more brash. I often say what’s exactly on my mind and it has not aways come off as kind. We are all harder on ourselves than to others. Thankful for a God who loves us today and every day. Praying for you all today.
TRACI GENDRON… that’s something I hadn’t caught before… priests being called “Father”. I guess I’ll file that in ‘things that make you go, “Hmmm…”’
Oh my word. All of you who shared your heart about these words today. I am praying that each one of us will see where we may be a Pharisee and repent and give it to God. ❤️
Wow!
“As we reflect on today’s reading, we need to ask if there’s a bit of the Pharisee or scribe in us that needs to be challenged or even rebuked. In what ways is Jesus calling you to lay down selfish ambitions for the much greater pursuit of serving others? How can you choose to practice humbly helping those around you without worrying about what you can get out of it? How can you look inward a bit less and look upward and outward a bit more this week?”
This smacked me. In the days of everyone, wanting to take care of themselves and put themselves first, this just really speaks to me.
Lord, please help me to be a vessel for you. Please help me to look outward to the people who need you and see how I can be Loving them and caring for them like you cared for the Israelites, even when they turned astray. (Matthew 23:37)
❤️
♥️
I remember my mom saying to “practice what you preach”. The hypocrisy in me always seeing what everyone else needs to change or do differently, but not looking at myself! Finally in my 30’s I thought “I’m the common denominator in all that seems to go wrong” I need to work on myself. And so the journey began. 1 step forward 4 back…argh. It is an everlasting process. BUT I’m still here seeking God.
I feel that I have so much work to do on myself. That I lack the self confidence to lead anyone else to God. I was bold in my faith for others to see when Tanner was dying. I don’t want to think I need another tragedy to make me speak up more. Baby steps…I’m getting there. I just want to walk this life holding Jesus hand. Sounds funny, but that is how I feel. But that is not sharing my faith. It is keeping it all for myself.
Did anyone else notice that no one is to be called Father? Why does the Catholic church call priests father??
Another nugget of truth that is mostly overlooked. In Matthew 23 Jesus goes on and on, verse after verse, rebuking the religious leaders of that day, calling them all sorts of names, ridiculing their behavior, exposing their evil hearts…. but in the end, in verse 37 Jesus shows His compassion for even these men, in saying “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”. Jesus is clearly stating that He still wants to save these evil people, He still wants to redeem and restore, He still wants to pour out His compassion and love. Oh, how He wants to do that for us today, no matter what you’ve done, no matter how evil you’ve become, He is still yearning to gather you under His wings and care for you, show you a better way, a way of joy and peace. Even after 36 verses of scolding and rebuking, He is still so full of compassion and willingness to save. What a Savior!
As an owner of a bunch of hens this spoke to me. I’ve watched mama hens gathering her chicks. Covering them with her wings, protecting them, teaching them etc. The love in that example is beautiful. Thanks for pointing it out.
KRIS I love what you pointed out. Thank you!
“Jesus showed us leadership that wasn’t self-absorbed but God-centered and others-oriented.”
Yes! Good word. Holy Spirit, I want to look like that kind of leader today and every day.
❤
To me it seems that tradition and lack of humility are things that try to sneak in on me. I will judge the Pharisees but sometimes I can be just like them. I’m so thankful for God’s word and the Holy Spirit that when I get too high and mighty He will loving correct me! Lord, help me to always have a teachable heart and to learn from my mistakes and humble myself to your correction.
Praying for all of you to be strong in your faith during trials and know that God walks with you. You never walk alone.
Yes @Valentina- I just saw the video clip … :(
Lord God, please be near to those in the city of Baltimore who are in a state of panic or pain… Lord, please rescue those who are there and can be helped… Who might remain in the water. Lord, please be near to all involved – bring angels to guide, minister, and work on Your behalf, Jesus. Please be near to our friends in Baltimore who need to know You are real and that You love them. Jesus, please help this city know You through this tragedy… May the see all things work together for good. Please Lord, have mercy and send your help to those in need. Please guide those who are confused- we thank you, Jesus.
@SHANNON STROSCHEIN- I don’t know what you’re going through, but please know that God delights in you! He has forgiven you of your sin, even the one you’re still struggling with! I don’t know why it is hard for you to relinquish that sin, but I know Jesus has grace for you and can help you, step by step. I don’t know what it looks like, but I pray you have grace for yourself, girl. He loves you and He’s not going to give up on you, even if you’ve given up on yourself. But please don’t! Look to Jesus and ask Him to want what He wants – even if you don’t think it is possible. We love you here, Shannon, though we don’t know you in the physical. We are all part of His body. I pray you find someone in your local body to help walk this out with you.
I remember a time I knew God asked me to stop seeing this guy, but I had such a hard time letting go. Even though I knew it displeased God, I kept seeing him. I realized I needed someone to keep me accountable, so I reached out to my pastor’s wife and she was my accountability. It took a few months, but eventually I let that person go and trusted God had better for me. I don’t know what your situation is, but having accountability for any sin is the key to freedom. Jesus ultimately is that key. May you know you are DEEPLY loved by Christ, even if you should choose otherwise. But I trust God is going to do a good work in you! God bless you. Please reach out to us again and again when you are struggling. We are here for you!! ❤️
@Jane K- I am so sorry for your friends loss .. that is a whole level of singleness I do not understand. It is so good you have her in your concerns and I pray the Holy Spirit leads you to be the friend she needs, right now. I pray He gives you the wisdom to know when to reach out and how to be present to her in her pain. God bless your friendship and any other singles in your life. ❤️
@Sharon, JG- I love your heart for your community, you and your husband. I wish I lived a bit closer, I would love to hang out with you guys and learn from you. I’m sure there is just so much wisdom you’ve gained through your journey with Jesus. God bless your ministries to singles and the local body you serve, Sharon! ❤️
@Taylor – praying the Lord gives you peace and wisdom to know what is best for your life. He works all things together for good. Lord, please grant her peace and mercy for her situation. Please bless her to see Your love and faithfulness, your “hesed” love (Hebrew). Jesus loves you, Taylor may your faith continue to increase and may you see the Lord in any painful area of your life.
God bless you, Shes. Love you all. ❤️
I need to ask myself if there’s a little bit of Pharisee or scribe in me that needs to be challenged or rebuked? OUCH!! Lots to ponder this morning! Thank you Rhonda J and Tina for your wise words of wisdom and prayers for all-of-us this morning! Happy Tuesday sweet she’s. Love you all VERY much! Thank you all who are praying for my daughter’s friend H. It looks like there may be a solution. I’m SO glad as my mama’s heart was SO heavy yesterday and wish I could bring H home. Please continue to pray that H would see Jesus in my daughter.
As I finished reading Jesus words in Matthew, the first thought that came to me was David’s prayer in Psalm 139:23-24. Then I prayed it for myself – Search me, O God, know my heart, test me, know my anxious thoughts, see if there is any offensive (Parasitical) way in me. Lead me in Your way. I can pretend to “be” someone or something all I want. I might fool people, but I will never fool the One who counts – my heavenly Father. I pray that I will be just as “clean” on the inside as I may be on the outside, and that the goodness of God will shine outward from the light of Jesus in me.
@Ashleigh Pruett – Praying that God will use the wisdom of this new doctor to help you to start feeling better. Praying for you today.
@Taylor – praying for you!
@Foster mama – Paying for your situation – God’s wisdom for where you and your husband fit into all of this, and for the mom & daughter.
@Rhonda – Prayers for you to know when to speak up, and when not to – with your hubby, and for much patience.
@For the ladies that are struggling with their faith, I’m sorry I forgot your names – that you will have peace and assurance in knowing that once we are saved – we are always saved. Will we still sin – yes, but we confess the sin and turn from it and move forward. ALL our sin has been paid for on the cross – past, present and future! Praise God!
Have a wonderful day ladies ~ You are loved and prayed for!
Please be praying for people in Baltimore. The Francis Scott Key bridge was struck by a large ship and collapsed into the river at 1:30 EST this morning. I’ll post a link to the footage on the FB page.
Oh boy..this scripture was like a “pow!” “Pow-pow” in little bubbles. I can’t imagine hearing this in person, I would probably sit there and be like “whoa to them those awful Pharisees and Scribes, I can’t BELIEVE they would lead us astray!” I have a lot of that proudness in me…and thinking I am right in my closer relationships (ahem, with my spouse), but I (think) am humble when it comes to leading and trying to teach on God, I feel like I am not good enough to teach or convey the right ideals. I am trying to live my everyday life with His PRESENCE (my word for the year!), but it is still so hard for me to FEEL His presence, Lord help me, I just want to love you with all my heart and let that work outward in the way you want it to.
CMS-Thank you for the recommendation, I will definitely get that! I have read a few good ones in the last couple of years trying to work on myself to be a Godly Spouse! Maybe that’s why I get so frustrated because I feel like I have been trying and learning and it feels like it’s not getting me anywhere…but it is working in God’s timing, it is never wasted. Thank you Carol too! Your words were spot on! Oh, my SHARP tongue! I have note cards on fridge, nightstand and Bible to watch my tongue!
Such good comments to make us further ponder today’s reading!(and yesterday!)
God be with all of our She’s to help us have a hunger for you, excited to read scripture everyday, and love your with All of our hearts, to be humble beggars helping, giving each other bread (Mercy), encouraging and building each other up. Help us to know when to speak up and when to be quite, mold us to be a vessel for you, a light for you, and using our hands and feet to make a palpable difference for other people in need of your love. We glorify you in all things, giving Praise and Worship to you Lord. Be with us, and give us our daily bread Lord. Amen In Jesus name!
Matthew 23:29-32 really stood out to me this morning. In their self-righteous ‘blindness’ they couldn’t see that they most definitely were ‘prophet killers’ and were in fact scheming and plotting to kill the One True Prophet!
From Max Lucado-
“Hypocrisy turns people away from God. When God-hungry souls walk into a congregation of wannabe superstars, what happens? When God seekers see singers strut like Las Vegas entertainers . . . When they hear the preacher—a man of slick words, dress, and hair—play to the crowd and exclude God . . . When other attendees dress to be seen and make much to-do over their gifts and offerings . . . When people enter a church to see God yet can’t see God because of the church, don’t think for a second that God doesn’t react. “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Mt 6:1).
Hypocrisy turns people against God. So God has a no-tolerance policy.
Do you practice what you preach? Or do people snicker when you announce a new set of resolutions? Pray for strength to live what you claim to believe.”
Praying for you all and asking for prayer for a family member who is in a serious medical situation. Things are much improved, but prayers for healing are appreciated. Thanks in advance! ❤
SEARCHING – Amen, sister! ❤
It’s interesting because from the “outside looking in” it’s easy to judge these two groups because we’ve been reading in Scripture about their behavior, but phew— the way in which Jesus went after them here made me wince as I thought “Hey wait… I have some of that behavior in me.” That’s like cold water pour over me. God, may you continue to show me the areas of my life where I need to be better for your Glory, not mine. He me decrease, so you can increase. Because ultimately, you are the only one I must please, Father.
I do not like being told flaws within myself. It’s an area that I am keenly aware of and ashamed to admit, but it is true. If I were a pharisee in that day, I probably would have wanted to argue back, make excuses, or generally deny Jesus’ words. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind.” If I am doing it with my ALL, then there is no room for ME. Lord, show me areas where I need to humble my proud heart and truly seek Your glory and Your honor in all ways.
@LauraDiane – i like the thought that if we are loving “with ALL our hearts, ALL our minds, and ALL our souls” that there would be no room for me! Thank you for sharing that.
Amen
Lord, help me not to be like a Pharisee. My sweet sisters and I seem to struggle with this sometimes.
“I just wanna be a sheep… baa, baa, baa!”
Jesus is the ultimate example of leadership. I pray I can reflect Jesus’s leadership in my life (work, friends, reffing). Also good questions to ponder at the end of the devotion.
Please pray for courage as there’s something I know I need to do, even though it will be hard.
Lifting up all the prayer requests <3
Two phrases/sayings popped into my mind when reading today’s Scriptures – “just for looks” and “lipstick on a pig” – and Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Praying today that my words and actions will be truly motivated by a desire to honor and serve the Lord, that others will be drawn to Him and accept His gift of salvation. This can only happen with His help. Thank you, LORD.
CAROLINE BRIDGES, SHANNON STROSCHEIN – praying for you, sisters in Christ! We have ALL – every single one of us – fallen short before and after we acknowledged that we are sinners, repented and accepted the gift of salvation. We all have days of doubt, days of regret, days of needing reassurance. The Lord’s patience, guidance, forgiveness, mercy and grace are there for each of us as we strive to walk with Him each day.
Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
He loves us ❤️ and I love what MERCY ❤️ said – we are here for you “simply just one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread.”
ASHLEY PRUETT – praying for your appointment, that you will be lifted up and freed from depression ❤️
INDIANA ELAINE – praying for Steven’s continued recovery, thank you for the update
MOLLY R – praying for reliable transportation
MARI V – praying for daughter’s friend H – protection, guidance, safety and whatever help is needed
RHONDA J – praying as you and h work through things. It is SO hard to navigate relationships, especially marriage. Praying for all marriages, mine included.
FOSTER MAMA – praying for your goddaughter and her mom – safety and healing – and for guidance for you and your husband going forward
TAYLOR – praying for your friendship situation
KELLY (NEO) & SADIE GONZALEZ – Amen!
CEE GEE ❤️
Oh my goodness, was there ever a smidgen of Pharisee or scribe in me?
Who am I kidding, there is more than a smidgen, I did it right there, playing down my heart character with the word smidgen..
BUT GOD..
Lord Jesus, challenge me, yes even rebuke me in My attitude and selfish ambition to be someone I am not called to be. Lord Jesus, help me to choose to help those around me without counting the cost of worrying about what I can get out of it.. Lord, if it be your will, then let me be and do in the love you have shown and given to me.. Lord Jesus, I look to you, so I can be more like you, giving of self without cost..
Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer..
AMEN.
Blessings dear hearts covered in much love and hugs.❤
Amen
Amen
I know “there’s a bit of the Pharisee or scribe in [me] that needs to be challenged or even rebuked.”
What strikes me the most is that all my striving to “look” righteousness to others is what condemns me and puts me in the Pharisee camp. The reality is that I am righteous only in Christ and through His death and resurrection.
ASHLEIGH PRUETT – praying your appt today is beneficial.
FOSTER MAMA – so sorry your friend is struggling so mentally. Continuing to pray for her and your goddaughter. May God give you clear direction for next steps.
SHANNON STROSCHEIN – praying that the Lord encourages you and strengthens you to overcome your struggle. You are loved more than you can imagine.
CMS – “Love and Respect” is a great eye-opener!
My heart sunk reading what Jesus had said to them. Could you imagine the God of the universe deciding to send his Only Son down to then grow up in a time where then Jesus rebukes, not just softly but very direct and full of emotion to those pretending to care and guide and lead people closer to God but then manipulating it to be something it’s not and steer people astray from what it’s really all about. It’s easy for me to sit back and say they deserved that talking to. That’s easy- but what isn’t easy is being humble enough to allow God to rebuke the things in my hearts that keep me in the state of self righteousness. Lord, I pray you show me how to rebuke and cast out any selfish thought or act that may cause me or others to fall away from you. Rebuke and tear up this hardened heart and give me one of flesh and newness of Life that only you can. Break the chains I know only you can! Amen!
Amen
Amen!