Overview
Matthew 23 sees Jesus delivering a stern and impassioned rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees. He warns His disciples and the crowds to follow the Law but not the hypocritical practices of these religious leaders. Through a series of "woes," Jesus exposes their hypocrisy, greed, and self-righteousness, condemning them for neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. The chapter culminates with a lament over Jerusalem, expressing Jesus's sorrow for the city that has rejected God's prophets and His own teachings. His words are a call to authentic faith and a denunciation of superficial religiosity.