On Holy Tuesday, Jesus spends much time teaching. Or perhaps you could say He spends much time correcting and speaking out against the religious leaders. We are going to look at what is often called the “Seven Woes,” where Jesus condemns the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, for their self-righteousness, and for how they are actually keeping people from God. We see in the end that Jesus longs to restore these leaders, but they are unwilling. What about us? Will we turn from our self-righteousness and turn to Jesus and His grace? For it is only there that life can be found.

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Greetings and welcome to Tuesday of Holy Week. I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, and I’m honored to journey with you through Holy Week. Today holds a special significance as Holy Tuesday, though often overshadowed by the events of Wednesday and the approaching crucifixion. Nevertheless, it’s a day rich in teachings, particularly focusing on the condemnation of the Pharisees.

Let’s delve into one of the more impactful passages of Jesus’ teachings, known as the “Seven Woes.” Picture the ancient Jewish temple with its iconic wailing wall and the adjacent teaching steps, where prophets and leaders would impart wisdom. It’s on these steps that Jesus addresses the religious elite, delivering a series of rebukes known as the “Seven Woes.”

Matthew 23 provides a glimpse into these condemnations, revealing Jesus’ righteous anger toward the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. He begins by highlighting their ostentatious displays of piety, emphasizing the vast gulf between their outward appearances and their inward realities. These Pharisees, Jesus asserts, prioritize public recognition over genuine service to God and others, masking their spiritual emptiness with elaborate rituals and displays of righteousness.

Jesus’ rebukes intensify as he exposes the Pharisees’ failure to embody the true essence of faith. They burden others with cumbersome regulations while neglecting the core principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Despite their meticulous adherence to religious rituals, they remain devoid of true righteousness, akin to whitewashed tombs concealing inner decay.

The Seven Woes culminate in a poignant lament over Jerusalem, symbolizing the collective rejection of God’s mercy and grace. Jesus longs to gather the people under his loving embrace, yet they persist in their rebellion and self-righteousness. His words echo with a mixture of sorrow and urgency, pleading for repentance and reconciliation.

In reflecting on Jesus’ teachings, we’re compelled to examine our own hearts and actions. Are we, like the Pharisees, guilty of prioritizing appearances over authentic faith? Do we engage in religious practices for public acclaim rather than genuine devotion to God? Holy Week provides an opportunity for introspection, a chance to realign our priorities and pursue a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our Creator.

As we continue our journey through Holy Week, may we heed Jesus’ warnings and embrace the transformative power of true repentance. Let us strive to embody the principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness in our daily lives, reflecting the love and compassion of our Savior. Thank you for joining me on this sacred journey, and may the remainder of Holy Week be a time of profound spiritual renewal and growth.