Matthew 23 - Part 8

 

Read Matthew 23

You snakes!  You brood of vipers!

After 7 woes to the Scribes and Pharisees and teachers of the law, Jesus was just getting warmed up.

Jesus asked a rhetorical question.  The hypocrites could not answer.  They had tried before with we are sons of Abraham, but Jesus didn’t give them any points for that answer.

 Jesus challenged them:  How will you escape being condemned to hell?

It truly was a rhetorical question.  The only salvation is through Christ Jesus and these hypocrites had rejected him time and time again.  There was no other option than the one they repeatedly rejected.

Jesus recounted how many times God’s own people had rejected him and the prophets that he sent.  He noted how he longed to gather his children in loving embrace but they were not willing.

The very lives of those who claimed to be so righteous were desolate as so many who claimed godliness before them.  Without Jesus they remained without hope.

For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’

Repentance was the only way for those who thought they knew God best but knew only what served them.  They must call upon the name of the Lord to be saved.

Amen.