21/08/2025
Matthew 23:1–14 (English Translation)
1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples,
2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.
3 Therefore, whatever they tell you to observe, that you should observe and do; but do not do according to their works, for they say and do not do.
4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with even a finger.
5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries wide and lengthen the tassels of their garments.
6 They love the places of honor at feasts, and the best seats in the synagogues,
7 greetings in the marketplaces, and being called by men, ‘Rabbi.’
8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.
9 And do not call anyone on earth your father, for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
10 And do not be called leaders, for One is your Leader—the Christ.
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces; for you yourselves do not enter, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.”
Reflextions :
Matthew 23:1–14 is a passage in the New Testament of the Bible that contains Jesus’ teachings about humility and the mistakes of the scribes and Pharisees. Here is a summary of the verses:
Main Points
Humility: Jesus emphasized that the scribes and Pharisees do not practice what they teach and are only concerned with their own interests (Matthew 23:3–4).
Outward Show of Righteousness: Jesus said that these people claim to be holy outwardly but inwardly are full of greed and wickedness (Matthew 23:25–28).
Judgment on the Scribes and Pharisees: Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees for their sins, such as deceit, hypocrisy, and killing the prophets (Matthew 23:29–36).
Repentance and Conversion: Jesus stressed the importance of true repentance and conversion rather than merely focusing on rituals and traditions (Matthew 23:37–39).
Notes
These verses are part of a broader context of Jesus’ teachings about the importance of genuine faith and humility.
The scribes and Pharisees represent groups of Jews who held high religious positions during the time of Jesus.
Overall, Matthew 23:1–14 highlights the importance of genuine faith and humility, challenging readers to examine their own motives and actions.
