Jesus’s Sermon on Woes (Matthew 23) – Introduction
Jesus’s Sermon on Woes (Matthew 23) – Introduction
Bro Yeow Chin Kiong | 11 January 2026 | Matthew 23
Jesus’ teaching ministry always came as a set. Just as the Sermon on the Mount reminds us of blessings—“Blessed are the…”—spoken to all, young and old alike, so too the Sermon on Woes reminds us that correction is part of growth.
The same hand that pats must sometimes slap; the same hand that encourages must also correct. These two are unavoidable and always come together. In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces eight woes, not out of cruelty, but out of love—because the way is straight and narrow, and warnings are necessary to keep God’s people on the right path.
These woes were directed at the Scribes and Pharisees, but Jesus was not merely condemning “bad religious people.” The warning is for all of us. It is easy for religious people to become sincere in activity but not sincere in heart.
Between the close of the Old Testament in Malachi and the opening of Matthew, religious groups like the Pharisees (the “separated ones,” deeply influential among those devoted to the Law of Moses) and the Sadducees (elite leaders who accepted only the written Law) grew increasingly consumed by the traditions of men. In their zeal for religion, they drifted away from the very blessings that obedience to God was meant to bring.
Scripture itself tells us why these warnings are recorded.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:6–11
“Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them… Nor let us commit sexual immorality… nor let us tempt Christ… nor complain… Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”
The Old Testament was written down so we could read, reflect, and learn. How much more, then, the New Testament, which builds upon it. Paul continues in 2 Timothy 3:14–17 that the Scriptures are not only inspired by God but are profitable—for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness—so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Yet Scripture’s purpose is not only to make us competent; it is to make us wise unto salvation, which comes through faith in Christ Jesus.
Faith has an end goal. As 1 Peter 1:9 says:
“Receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”
Correction alone is not enough. A Christian life must be kept on course through balance—encouragement that edifies and correction that removes what is spiritually cancerous.
Together, they form a complete message.
Without humility, correction becomes judgment, and Scripture warns us clearly in Romans 2:1–4 that those who judge others while practicing the same things condemn themselves. It is God’s goodness, not harshness, that leads us to repentance.
Warnings serve a purpose.
Like public discipline meant to deter wrongdoing, warnings in Scripture are meant to strengthen believers. All of us have faults to confront when we look into the mirror.
Christianity does not make us superior.
James 4:6, 10 reminds us:
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble…
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
Jesus Himself taught that righteousness is assumed—but it must go deeper than outward obedience. In Matthew 5:16–20, He calls believers to let their light shine so God is glorified, declaring that He came not to destroy the Law but to fulfill it. He warns plainly:
“Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
This leads to the heart of hypocrisy.
A hypocrite is not merely someone who sins, but someone who acts. Jesus said in Matthew 6:5 that hypocrites love to pray publicly to be seen by men.
Quoting Isaiah, He rebuked them again in Matthew 15:7–9 :
“These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honour Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.”
Isaiah 29:13 echoes the same truth—fear of God can be reduced to something merely taught by human rules.
When leading others, especially in prayer, we must be careful not to pretend to be someone we are not. When in doubt, we must study, clarify our understanding, and settle matters in our hearts before teaching others. Even “Amen” (“let it be so”) must be spoken sincerely.
History gives sobering examples of misplaced zeal.
Jim Jones began with social compassion and religious enthusiasm, moving across denominations and gaining influence through good works. Yet without humility, accountability, and submission to truth, zeal became deception—with tragic consequences.
Scripture explains this inner conflict clearly in Romans 7:13–20 where Paul describes the struggle between wanting to do good and being overtaken by sin dwelling in the flesh.
We must recognize that we are sinners. Even as Christians, we need the blood of Jesus. We cannot hide our sins or errors. With time and maturity, we realize how many chances God gives us to change.
Paul continues in Romans 7:21–25, crying out:
“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
We can only serve one master, and that choice lies within our control. The eight woes in Matthew 23 are therefore not merely condemnations but invitations—to examine our hearts, reject hypocrisy, and pursue genuine righteousness.
Finally, Scripture lays out clearly how salvation is received:
Hear – Romans 10:14–15
Believe – Hebrews 11:6
Repent – Acts 3:19
Confess – Romans 10:9–10
Be Baptised – 1 Peter 3:21
Live Faithfully – Revelation 2:10
Jesus’ Sermon on Woes reminds us that love warns, grace corrects, and truth humbles.
When we receive both encouragement and correction with a sincere heart, we are shaped into believers who do not merely look religious—but truly live a good and godly life before God and men.
