The Woe and the Want

Mt. 23:16-39

"How often I would have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!"

What a chapter of contrasts! First, Jesus describes the heart condition of the Pharisees and scribes: "they preach but do not practice; " they place impossible burdens upon the people; and their lives are only for public show. They totally ignore the principle that Jesus is driving home to his disciples, that is "whoever exalts himself will be humbled,and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." But Jesus doesn't stop there, in fact, what He has said thus far is nothing compared to what is to come. I would think that the disciples would have been seriously sobered listening to Jesus proclaim woe after woe upon these people, not only that but they would have been looking at the condition of their hearts to make sure they were not next on the chopping block.

These seven woes pronounce a judgment that is harsh to the max and personal to the core. Jesus begins by calling them blind fools, blind men, blind guides, and hypocrites three different times. What a huge slap in the face! I can imagine their sputtering, injured pride, and intense anger. These people had always had the highest respect of men and now all this was exposed as a sham. Their game was up! Jesus saw through their pretense of holiness to their hearts of hypocrisy. Not only had they involved themselves, but they had shut the door of heaven to others. I think one of the strongest characterizations of them was when Jesus said they were whitewashed tombs full of dead men's bones. They appeared beautiful because of all their forms and traditions, but on the inside were the bones of the men they had kept from heaven. It is pretty clear that Jesus is not softening the blow, but He is adding to its impact!

Yet, as soon as He is done with this tirade, his heart flows with love and compassion. But before the love must be conviction. Sin must be exposed because sin cannot coexist with the holiness of God! It is like a wall of self preventing the flow of God's grace, love and mercy. Jesus then moves from the specific to the general, from the Pharisees and scribes to Jerusalem as a whole. "O Jerusalem...how often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!" I can feel His heart of longing for His people and His intense pain and heartache. They would not! Such stubborn self-will! They rejected Him and all He had to offer. As a result, their house would be desolate. Yes, God judges sin harshly, but at the same time He offers His grace and mercy.

This picture of judgment on self-will and hypocrisy is an eye-opener. I don't have to wonder anymore if God overlooks or excuses those sins as part of my flawed humanity. No, they are the blackest of sin to Him. I need to confess and forsake so that I might be nurtured and loved under the loving wing of my heavenly Father.

Father,

I thank You for being Judge and Savior. What a glorious God you are! I am so grateful that you have gathered me under Your wings of love and protection. Keep my heart tender so that I never stubbornly refuse Your promptings.

In Jesus name,

Amen