Mat 23:13 | MHM | STEP | Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees In this section, Jesus gives a strong warning to the religious leaders of his day, the scribes and Pharisees. He calls out their hypocrisy and the ways they prevent people from truly following God. Through a series of “woes,” Jesus shows that outward religion without real love for God and others is empty. He teaches that pride, greed, and pretending to be good are dangerous, and that God values humble, sincere hearts. v. 13 : Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You do not go in yourselves, and you do not let those who are trying to enter go in.” These leaders made it hard for others to know God because of their rules and pride, and they did not truly follow God themselves (Matthew 23:13 ).

‏ Matthew 23:13

Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees

In this section, Jesus gives a strong warning to the religious leaders of his day, the scribes and Pharisees. He calls out their hypocrisy and the ways they prevent people from truly following God. Through a series of “woes,” Jesus shows that outward religion without real love for God and others is empty. He teaches that pride, greed, and pretending to be good are dangerous, and that God values humble, sincere hearts.

v. 13: Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You do not go in yourselves, and you do not let those who are trying to enter go in.” These leaders made it hard for others to know God because of their rules and pride, and they did not truly follow God themselves (Matthew 23:13 ^a).