JESUS VERSES THE PHARISEES

JESUS VERSES THE PHARISEES

Today I would like to share what the Lord put on my heart. When you read Matthew 23:13-36 read slowly and really meditate on what Jesus is speaking to this group of Pharisees. Scripture does not tell us who was included or present but that they were Pharisees so it would apply to the “title” Pharisees.

My initial intention was to put comments in between the scriptures to save time but I really think you need to read these scriptures without me stopping the flow of revelations within these scriptures. So I will include my comments after you read the scriptures. I have placed some of the key words in bold and underlined some also for you to see. Let’s get started, please read the scriptures then I will share what the Lord has placed on my heart for you to understand and get insight.

Matthew 23:13–39 (NKJV)

Jesus Condemns the Pharisees

¹³ “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, 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 pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

¹⁵ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

¹⁶ “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ ¹⁷ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? ¹⁸ And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ ¹⁹ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? ²⁰ Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. ²¹ He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. ²² And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.

²³ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. ²⁴ Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

²⁵ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. ²⁶ Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

²⁷ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. ²⁸ Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

²⁹ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, ³⁰ and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’

³¹ “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. ³² Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. ³³ Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? ³⁴ Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, ³⁵ that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. ³⁶ Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem

³⁷ “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! ³⁸ See! Your house is left to you desolate; ³⁹ for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

The first point I would like you to notice is the Jesus repeatedly called the Pharisees hypocrites. In fact Jesus stated this seven times! Seven is NOT a random number and surely shows significance towards the Pharisees. Seven is the number of completion, fullness or perfection! So what Jesus was inferring was that the Pharisees were turned over in completeness to their own wickedness and evil and there was no redemption or salvation for them. I will expound more a little later by using other scriptures to bring clarity and truth. When you look up the biblical meaning of the word “hypocrite” you get the meaning “godless”. This reinforces the Word of Jesus telling them seven times they were hypocrites thus “godless” and there would be no salvation for them because they say they can see but they are blind and their sin remains.

ὑποκριτής

hypokritēs, n.c.¹, hypocrite. 2× +NT² +AF³

Hebrew Alignment

חָנֵף—godless (2): Job 34:30; 36:13⁴

Job 34:30 (NKJV)

³⁰ That the hypocrite should not reign,

Lest the people be ensnared.

34:26–30 Elihu argues that God judges the wicked publicly because of their wickedness in turning away from God and oppressing the poor. God also judges the wicked to prevent them from being in positions of power where they can influence people.⁵

Job 36:13 (NKJV)

¹³ “But the hypocrites in heart store up wrath;

They do not cry for help when He binds them.

36:13 cherish anger Elihu continues to describe those who do not respond to God’s discipline. Instead of crying for help, they become angry.⁶

Romans 2:5 (NKJV)

⁵ But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

Romans 1:18 (NKJV)

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

1:18 the wrath of God Refers to God’s righteous judgment upon evil. In this context, the evil in view is immorality and the suppression of the truth about God. God reveals His wrath by giving people over to their sin, thereby allowing them to morally decline even further (Rom 1:24–28). This foreshadows His final judgment (see 2 Thess 2:9–12).⁷

Romans 1:24–25 (NKJV)

²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

1:24 God gave them over God allowed for people to do as they desired, even when it meant opposing his will for their lives. This is part of the judgment related to God’s wrath (see note on Rom 1:18). Paul uses the Greek word paradidōmi (often translated “gave over” or “gave up”) three times in this passage (vv. 24, 26, 28) to emphasize God’s deliberate response to humanity’s wicked ways: He allows people to continue to live a life of increasing sin.⁸

Now that you have read the scriptures above you can see how the Pharisees were given over to their own wickedness as judgment upon themselves. When Jesus said to them because you say you can see you are blind and your sin remains Jesus implied there was NO salvation for them! While this sounds contrary to the purposes of why Jesus came it is also truth none the less! When you deny Christ Jesus you deny salvation! Let us also take notice of the Pharisees traveled land and sea to win a proselyte/convert and make them twice the child of hell as themselves.

While Jesus does not mention Saul of Tarsus in the scriptures above this who came to my mind by the spirit. You see Saul of Tarsus was commissioned by the Pharisees as Saul had papers of authority from the high priest who was a Pharisee. Even though it was Saul who requested these papers the high priest could have refused. So I believe Saul was deceived but the high priest was not deceived. How many people attend false churches because they are deceived! The Pharisees wanted to appear to have “clean hands and a clean heart” but Jesus exposed their hearts to them in this face to face confrontation. “Fools and blind” are mentioned twice and shortly we will cover this with Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. Five times Jesus called them blind. Then Jesus tells them that they killed and crucified the prophets, scourged the prophets and persecuted the prophets and that ALL of the righteous blood shed on earth going all the way back to Abel they would be accountable for. Jesus calls them Serpents and Vipers! Who else was known as a serpent back in the garden?

Notice everything Jesus states they did to the prophets is exactly what they would eventually do to Jesus! They still wanted to appear to have “clean hands” so they used the “political” system to impose the sentencing of crucifying Jesus. We know that the Antichrist will be a “political” and “spiritual” figure when he is revealed! When you go back to Cain and Abel making offerings to the Lord you must realize these are two “religious” actions of worship. Thus two types of “churches” one being the true church and the other church of the Antichrist who is a murderer. Two types of “churches” for two types of “kingdoms”. The Lord’s Spirit will not always strive with man so let me make it clear, today is the day of salvation!

Acts 9:1–9 (NKJV)

The Damascus Road: Saul Converted

9 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ² and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

³ As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. ⁴ Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

⁵ And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

⁶ So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

⁷ And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. ⁸ Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. ⁹ And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

We are all familiar with Saul’s encounter but what I want to emphasis is Jesus blinding Saul. You see Jesus told the Pharisees that they were blind. While they had their natural sight they were spiritually blind. If you remember the story of the blind man with no sin who Jesus spit in the dirt and made a paste/clay and put it on his eyes you don’t need to blind a man that is already naturally blind so what was the purpose of putting paste on his eyes? By Jesus putting paste on the man’s eyes Jesus was making a statement of spiritual blindness. Jesus then told the blind man to go and wash at the pool of Siloam which means “sent one”. This is direct correlation to Jesus being “sent” from the Father. The man was doubly blind both naturally and spiritually. So Saul had natural eyes but not spiritual eyes so thus Jesus did the same to Saul as Jesus did for the blind man. What did the blind man from birth tell the Pharisees who continuously asked him about Jesus. The man said this one thing I know, I was blind but now I see! He gave a testimony of Jesus! He not only had physical eyes but he had a revelation of Christ Jesus. This is what Jesus was doing for Saul. Saul encountered the resurrected Christ and called Jesus Lord. Now if you read the scriptures of Saul’s encounter Saul asked Jesus what do You want me to do? As I have said many times there is always a requirement to obtain the blessings and promises of the Lord. You can’t even be “saved” without believing in faith which is a requirement!

Acts 9:10–19 (NKJV)

Ananias Baptizes Saul

¹⁰ Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

¹¹ So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. ¹² And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

¹³ Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

¹⁷ And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

¹⁹ So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

I have underlined line 12 to make reference that the Lord will always gift you insight on His will if you seek him. Saul was praying and the Lord revealed to Saul who was blind a vision of Ananias laying hands on him. True prophetic ministry/prophecy confirms the will of God that has been revealed to you by the Lord it does not contradict what the Lord has given you. Ananias would fulfill the vision of the Lord for Paul. Imagine Paul putting trust in a minister/priest for the Lord knowing Paul’s history! Also notice Paul fasted and prayed for three days. Three day’s references dying to yourself and being resurrected in Christ Jesus.

Now let me share some thoughts. First I’d like to say that the five fold ministry of Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Pastor and Evangelist are ALL IN CHRIST JESUS and Jesus has these offices today for the edification of the saints and to build up a spiritual priesthood in Christ Jesus. For now I’d like to focus on the office of a prophet. Many times throughout the New Testament Jesus is referred to as a prophet. Jesus as a prophet revealed a person’s heart condition to them and that is what a TRUE prophet today will do so that you may be in proper standing and holiness with the Lord. What has happened today is Satan calls this judgment when you point out sin so Satan takes what is of the Lord Jesus and makes it appear as “the accuser of the brethren” but it is NOT! This is how Satan twists and manipulates scriptures! There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus WHO WALK ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT! Emphasis on Spirit!

Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

Free from Indwelling Sin

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

There is much confusion over the office of a prophet and prophesying. Anyone who claims to be speaking The Word of God is prophesying but that does NOT MAKE them a prophet as in the office of a Prophet! This is because prophecy is the testimony of Christ Jesus according to Revelation 19:10.

As I mentioned in an earlier posting the need/requirement for the five fold ministry within the body of Christ as five represents the number and fullness of grace. So when the true five fold ministry is present the proper equiping of the saints may be fulfilled. When you eliminate one you eliminate a part of Christ Jesus. Now perhaps you can see why many do not embrace true prophets because a true prophet will discern the motives, intents and spirits at work. How do you expect to be in the image and likeness of Christ Jesus when you deny that Jesus was the embodied fullness of the five fold ministry! You can’t be restored to what you deny! Hearing this about the five fold ministry look at all those well know preachers today who deny the five fold ministry! If you truly examine all of the things Jesus did and spoke you will see all five fold offices at work throughout the testimony/Word of Christ Jesus. In conclusion a saint who is mature and in the image and likeness of Christ Jesus can operate and function in all five fold offices! Jesus said a kingdom divided will not stand so if you divide or eliminate the five fold ministry you divide the kingdom of God.

This reminds me of my initial prayer when I became born again. “Lord help me to be whatever you need me to be when you need me to be it.” It’s not about the title or office it’s about the will of the Father and true representation of the Lord Jesus.

Revelation 19:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

I hope this posting has brought revelations and truth to you enabling you to grow in Christ Jesus in Spirit and Truth. Blessings, grace and peace to you from our Lord Christ Jesus.