| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Matthew 23
Observation & Interpretation
In speaking with the crowds, Jesus pronounced a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees. He sharply confronted their hypocrisy (v. 13), telling them that their efforts to make proselytes made them twice as much a child of hell than themselves (v. 15), that they wickedly swore by the gold of the altar (v. 18), ignored the weightier matters of the law (v. 23), were clean on the outside but inside were full of greed and self-indulgence (v. 25) among others. In one such declaration, Jesus spoke of their false claim that if they had lived in the days of their fathers, they would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets (v. 30). Jesus made clear that they were witnesses against themselves and that they were indeed sons of those who murdered the prophets (v. 31).
Application
Sadly, when our sin finds us out, we too can often excuse our actions by resorting to comparing ourselves against others. “At least I am better than _______.”, we say. However, this relative morality holds no sway in God’s economy. We are not graded on a curve but instead are held to an objective, transcendent standard, to which we inescapably fall short. This leaves us in a state of perpetual enmity against a holy and righteous God and incurs His just punishment for our radical insolence. There is no amelioration achievable on our own and any endeavor to obtain it is not only futile but offensive. Only in casting ourselves upon the mercy of God, graciously provided by the sending and sacrifice of His Son are we able to find hope and reconciliation. Through His wounds alone are we healed, through His blood alone are we cleansed and by His righteousness alone are we deemed righteous.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
