That made Jesus mad also

Matthew 23: 1-7, 23-29

A question thatpeople struggle with..

Understanding the issues...The Pharisees had the words from

God

Understanding the issues...The Pharisees had the words from

GodThe scribes and the Pharisees have seated

themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe,

– Matthew 23: 2-3

Understanding the issues...The Pharisees had the words from

God but their living out of that “religion” was twisted..

Understanding the issues...The Pharisees had the words from

God but their living out of that “religion” was twisted..

but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.

– Matthew 23: 3

Understanding the issues...A works based faith is

burdensome.

Understanding the issues...A works based faith is

burdensome.They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on

men’s shoulders,

Understanding the issues...A works based faith is

burdensome... especially when you have no help

Understanding the issues...A works based faith is

burdensome... especially when you have no help

but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.

– Matthew 23: 4

Understanding the issues...To the Pharisee religion was all

external – for show

But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men;

Matthew 23: 5

Understanding the issues...To the Pharisee religion was all

external – for show

for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.

Matthew 23: 5

Phylacteries (Tefillin)

Fringes- Tassels (tzitzit)

Understanding the issues...To the Pharisee religion was all

external – for show

They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places,

and being called Rabbi by men.– Matthew 23: 6-7

Missing the obviousExacting in small areas and

ignoring huge areas

You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

– Matthew 23: 24

Missing the obviousStart on the inside

You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside

of it may become clean also.Matthew 23: 26

The religion looks good but is dead

Key remindersIn the court of God’s kingdom we are

to be witnesses not judgesbut you will receive power when the Holy Spirit

has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses - Acts 1:8

Key remindersIf we make our faith all about works,

we rightfully invite criticism

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the

gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9