Matthew 23:18 meaning
In addressing the dangerous tendencies of hypocrisy within religious leaders, Jesus highlights the importance of integrity in faith practices. The scribes and Pharisees, despite their authoritative roles in teaching the Law, are condemned for their failure to embody the very principles they espouse. Instead of being exemplars of righteousness, they prioritize outward appearances and trivial legalistic requirements over substantial moral obligations. This reflects a pervasive issue not only in their time but throughout the ages, where external compliance can blind individuals to internal spiritual realities.
Jesus admonishes His listeners to adhere to the teachings of these leaders, yet cautions them against emulating their actions, as they merely "say, and do not." This reinforces a profound truth about the essence of faith: it must be rooted in genuine conviction rather than mere ritual. In this discourse, a vital distinction is made; while the Law itself is good, its distortion by hypocritical interpreters results in a great moral and spiritual void. Such duplicity serves as a warning to all believers to strive for authenticity in their own spiritual lives. This is captured aptly in Matthew 23:18.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 23:16-22 meaning. In His fourth woe, Jesus condemns blind guides who wrongly teach others a legally justified way to lie. Using their own rationale, Jesus demonstrates how their entire thinking is backwards and wrong.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 27:17-18 meaning. "The Passover Pardon": Pilate's Second Attempt to Release Jesus. Pilate offers the crowd a choice as to which prisoner he will customarily release: the notorious prisoner Barabbas or Jesus, called Christ. Matthew points out that Pilate did this because he knew the Jews accused Jesus out of envy. Matthew 27:17-18 begins Matthew's account of the third phase of Jesus's Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate's Judgment."
- Matthew 27:24-25 meaning. Pilate Washes His Hands: Pilate's Sixth Attempt to Release Jesus: Pilate comes to the conclusion that he cannot win and that a riot is about to break out. But he is very troubled about crucifying Jesus, whom he firmly believes to be an innocent Man. He tries to publicly absolve himself of any wrong doing by washing his hands in water and declaring himself to be innocent. For their part, the Jews are quick to reassure the governor that Jesus's blood will not be on Pilate, but on them and their children. This event is part of the third phase of Jesus's Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate's Judgment."
- Matthew 23:13 meaning. Jesus speaks the first of eight woes to the scribes and Pharisees. It is issued because they refuse to enter God’s kingdom or to allow anyone else to enter it.
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