Matthew 23:1-22
The Lord Jesus, who has foiled all the attacks of the religious leaders, now puts the disciples and the multitudes on their guard against such men. That which they said ought to be done was in the main excellent; unfortunately, what they did was very different indeed (see Matthew 21:30). We who have learnt so many Scripture truths and are very well able to remind others of them at the right moment, are we sure about putting them into practice ourselves? (John 13:17; Romans 2:17 . . .).
What a contrast between these leaders and Christ, the only true Leader! (vv. 8, 10). They approved the law; He fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). They loaded others with "heavy burdens and grievous to be borne" (v. 4); He called those who were weary and heavy laden, to give them rest (Matthew 11:28). They chose the chief place (v. 6); He, from the manger to the cross, always took the lowest place. He was Servant before being Leader (v. 11). No one will be more exalted than He, for no one has ever been more truly abased. But as for these scribes and Pharisees who sought their own glory, they will go to their own place of ruin and destruction. Instead of the blessings (Beatitudes) He pronounced at the beginning of His ministry, "Woe" is the terrible expression the Saviour must now utter seven times against these men who bear such heavy responsibility.