Matthew 21-23; Mark 11;Luke 19-20; John 12 - come follow me with Sam

 Welcome!

The gloves come off

We are now into Christ's last week in Jerusalem; it seems at this point the die is cast in the pharisees' hearts, and Christ knew how this was going to go down anyway, so he is being a little clearer to the pharisees, which, if you are pharisee, means you are in for a bit of a rough time.

I'm going to focus on chapter 23 of Matthew.

Christ instructs people with this interesting verse:

2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:

3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

I'll let that one sink in without further comment at this time.

Christ says things are really messed up there. You aren't supposed to bind others with heavy burdents. You aren't supposed to show off your phylacteries, you aren't supposed to seek after recognition, you aren't supposed to fall in love with people loving you.

then Christ shares that mystery again:

12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

This is the warmup. After that he calls them straight up hypocrites. Basically, they are false teachers, children of the lie. 

They devour widows houses.

Their prayer is a mockery - Christ straight up says they will receive a greater damnation for what they are doing.

They are blind guides.

oh yeah, they are also prophet-killers. They will prove it in just a few days.

bad stuff.

Christ finishers with a little mourning, a little mercy and a little hope. There is always redemption for those who earnestly seek it.

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

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