Matthew 23

Matthew 23 records Jesus’ warning to the Pharisees and Scribes. Pharisees originated after the return of Israelites from the exile. Many Jews adopted pagan practices and went astray from the Law of Moses. During that time some Jews came up with determination to follow the Laws of Moses. Moreover they also added few more laws to it and that is generally known as the Oral laws.

In the Gospels we can find many characteristics of the Pharisees and a lion part of them is about their hypocrisy. Jesus addressed them as Hypocrites. They were the oppressors of the poor and violated the Law of Moses and longed for public attention for their spirituality. But they were not practicing the Law of Moses in their heart, but often used them for their own personal gain.

They were keen Tithers in Cumin, mint and dill etc., but they failed to give more importance to the weightier commandments like Justice, mercy, and faithfulness etc.

• Bible instructs Christians to be the doers of God’s word. God hates hypocrisy.