November 5

Matthew 23; Luke 20-21 (biblegateway.com)

Truth in the Temple: Warnings, Wisdom, and the Coming Kingdom

After entering Jerusalem as the promised King and revealing the true nature of His mission, Jesus continues teaching in the temple. In these final public messages before the cross, He exposes religious hypocrisy, affirms His authority, and prepares His followers for the future.

Matthew 23 — Woe to Hypocrisy and the Call to True Righteousness

As Matthew 23 opens, Jesus is delivering His final public sermon before the cross. Standing in the temple courts, He speaks to the crowds and to His disciples, while the scribes and Pharisees listen. In this chapter, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy, pride, and false righteousness of Israel’s religious leaders, contrasting their external religion with the genuine obedience God requires. He pronounces a series of solemn woes upon them and laments over Jerusalem’s persistent unbelief. This passage serves as a sobering warning against outward performance without inward transformation and calls God’s people to humble, sincere righteousness.

Jesus begins by acknowledging that the scribes and Pharisees “sit in Moses’ seat,” indicating that they occupy positions of authority to teach the Law (v. 1–2). He instructs the crowds to heed what they teach when it aligns with Scripture, but not to imitate their actions, for they do not practice what they preach (v. 3). They bind heavy burdens, including legalistic rules and traditions, placing them on others, but they refuse to lift a finger to help bear them (v. 4). Their religion lacks compassion. Everything they do is performed to be seen by others: they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the fringes of their garments to appear more devout (v. 5). They love places of honor at feasts, the best seats in synagogues, and respectful greetings in the marketplace (v. 6–7).

Jesus warns His followers not to seek such titles or exalt themselves, for true greatness is found in humble service. “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 8–12). From the outset, Jesus reveals the root issue: spiritual pride has replaced devotion, and the pursuit of self-glory has displaced the fear of God.

Jesus then pronounces seven woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, exposing their hypocrisy and false leadership. First, He condemns them for shutting the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. They refuse to enter themselves and hinder others from entering (v. 13). Their teaching prevents salvation instead of pointing people to God. Second, He rebukes them for devouring widows’ houses and masking their greed with long, impressive prayers (v. 14). Their piety is performance, not genuine faith. Third, He denounces their missionary zeal; they travel land and sea to make converts, but they turn them into disciples of their own corrupt traditions rather than disciples of God, making them twice as enslaved to legalism (v. 15).

Fourth, Jesus exposes their distorted teaching about oaths. They swear by the temple or altar but invent loopholes to escape accountability, valuing the gold of the temple above the God who sanctifies it (v. 16–22). Jesus calls them blind guides, for they miss the true reverence owed to God. Fifth, He condemns their obsession with technicalities. They tithe mint, dill, and cumin, meticulously adhering to small details, while neglecting the weightier matters of the Law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness (v. 23). These virtues reflect God’s heart. Jesus affirms tithing but rebukes them for focusing on the minor details and ignoring moral obedience. He states, “You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!” (v. 24). Sixth, He likens them to cups clean on the outside but filthy within, full of greed and self-indulgence (v. 25–26). He calls them to cleanse the inside first, for true holiness begins with the heart.

Seventh, Jesus compares them to whitewashed tombs, beautiful outwardly but inwardly full of dead men’s bones (v. 27–28). They appear righteous before men, but on the inside, they are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Lastly, He condemns their false reverence for the prophets. They build tombs for the prophets and claim they would never have joined their fathers in killing them, yet they are preparing to kill the very Son of God and persecute His messengers (v. 29–31). Their own words testify against them. Jesus declares that all the righteous blood shed from Abel to Zechariah will come upon that generation (v. 32–36). Their rejection of God’s Son brings judgment on Jerusalem.

These woes remind us that God cares far more about the condition of the heart than outward religious performance. True righteousness is not measured by appearances, rituals, or reputation, but by a heart that loves God and reflects His character through justice, mercy, and faithfulness. The scribes and Pharisees knew Scripture, practiced religious habits, and carried the name of God, yet their hearts were unchanged. Jesus’ warnings reveal the danger of external religion; people can appear spiritually mature on the outside while harboring pride, greed, and unbelief within. Scripture teaches that saving faith produces genuine transformation, obedience, and humility, not performance-based religion.

For believers today, this passage challenges us to examine our motives in worship, service, giving, and ministry. Are we seeking the approval of God or the applause of people? Christ calls His followers to sincerity, integrity, and inward devotion that aligns with outward obedience. The only remedy for hypocrisy is the gospel, for only through Christ can the heart be cleansed and the life transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus then expresses a heartfelt lament over Jerusalem, revealing His deep longing to gather His people to Himself. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to it, how often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (v. 37). His words show both tender compassion and deep grief. God had repeatedly reached out to His people through the prophets, yet they repeatedly rejected His messengers.

Jesus’ image of a mother hen protecting her chicks shows His desire to shelter, care for, and save them, but the nation refused to respond. Because of this persistent unbelief, Jesus declares that their house, the temple, will be left desolate (v. 38), a clear sign of coming judgment. Yet even here, judgment is not God’s last word. Jesus promises that a future day will come when Israel will welcome Him, saying, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (v. 39). Though the present generation faced consequences for rejecting Him, a future restoration remains in God’s redemptive plan (Romans 11:25–27).

Matthew 23 stands as a contrast between false religion and true righteousness. The scribes and Pharisees possessed knowledge, position, and tradition, yet lacked humility, mercy, and obedience. They cared more about appearing righteous than actually honoring God, seeking the praise of people rather than the approval of the Lord. Jesus exposes the emptiness of outward religious activity without heart devotion and warns that such hypocrisy leads to judgment. True righteousness is not found in external performance but in a heart rightly surrendered to God.

For believers today, Matthew 23 is a mirror. It calls us to honestly examine our hearts, remove any love of recognition or spiritual pride, and pursue justice, mercy, and faithfulness in daily life. It is possible to read Scripture, serve in the church, and appear godly, yet lack genuine love for Christ. True discipleship flows from a transformed heart that loves God above self and produces the fruit of obedience. The Christian life is not measured by how we look before others, but by how we walk before the Lord, humbly, sincerely, and joyfully devoted to Him.

Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem reveals His heart of compassion. He longed to gather His people to Himself, yet they were unwilling to receive His grace. He still longs to gather sinners under His care. The same Savior who warns against hypocrisy is the Savior who welcomes all who will come to Him in faith. His desire is that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). However, His invitation must be received. Just as Israel missed their moment of visitation, we must guard against delaying obedience or resisting the Holy Spirit’s conviction.

The call is urgent: receive Christ’s grace, walk in His truth, and remain tender to His voice. Let us lay aside religious pride, confess any hypocrisy, and embrace sincere devotion to Christ. The King who rebukes false religion stands ready to forgive, cleanse, restore, and fill us with His life. Blessed are those who not only hear His words but respond in faith, humility, and obedience.

Luke 20 — The Authority of the King and the Exposure of False Religion

As Luke 20 opens, Jesus is teaching in the temple during the final week before His crucifixion. He continues to proclaim the gospel and reveals the true nature of God’s kingdom, while the religious leaders challenge His authority. Throughout the chapter, Jesus exposes the unbelief, hypocrisy, and faulty theology of Israel’s leaders, warns of judgment, and calls His hearers to genuine faith and obedience. Every encounter demonstrates His divine wisdom and sovereignty as the true Messiah and rightful King.

This chapter takes place in the same time period as the events recorded in Matthew 23 and shares similar themes, such as confronting hypocrisy, correcting false teaching, and pronouncing coming judgment. However, while Matthew 23 presents an extended series of “woes” spoken directly against the scribes and Pharisees, Luke 20 emphasizes these same issues through a series of question-and-answer confrontations, parables, and public challenges, offering a more narrative account of the conflict.

One day, while Jesus is teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests, scribes, and elders confront Him (v. 1). They demand, “Tell us by what authority You do these things, or who gave You this authority?” (v. 2). Their question is not sincere; they seek to undermine Him publicly and challenge His right to cleanse the temple, teach, and exercise divine authority.

Jesus responds by turning their challenge back on them, asking whether John the Baptist’s ministry was from heaven or from men (v. 3–4). The religious leaders immediately find themselves trapped. If they acknowledge that John’s authority was from God, they indict themselves for rejecting his message and refusing his call to repentance. Yet if they deny his divine authority, they risk the anger of the people, who rightly regarded John as a prophet sent by God (v. 5–6).

Driven not by truth but by fear of public opinion, they choose the cowardly answer: “We do not know” (v. 7). Jesus therefore responds, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things” (v. 8). Their unwillingness to accept truth reveals a heart already closed to God’s revelation. Jesus’ authority was unmistakable, yet willful unbelief blinded them. When a heart refuses the light, further truth is withheld, not because God delights to conceal it, but because unbelief rejects the grace that is offered.

Jesus follows with the parable of the wicked tenants, exposing Israel’s long history of rejecting God’s messengers and foreshadowing their rejection of God’s Son (v. 9). A man plants a vineyard, leases it to tenants, and then travels to another country. At harvest time, he sends a servant to collect his share of the fruit, but the tenants beat him and send him away empty-handed (v. 10). The owner sends a second servant and then a third, yet both are treated with the same cruelty and contempt (v. 11–12).

In a final act of patience and grace, he sends his beloved son, believing they will surely respect him (v. 13). But when the tenants see the son, greed and rebellion overtake them. “This is the heir. Let us kill him, so the inheritance may be ours” (v. 14). They throw him out of the vineyard and kill him (v. 15).

Jesus asks what the owner will do, and He answers His own question: the owner will come, destroy those wicked tenants, and give the vineyard to others (v. 15–16). The crowd reacts with shock, saying, “Surely not!” But Jesus confirms the sobering truth by quoting Psalm 118:22: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (v. 17). He further warns that all who stumble over this stone will be broken, and on whomever it falls, it will crush them (v. 18). With piercing clarity, Jesus reveals that He is the rejected Stone who will become the foundation of God’s saving work.

The religious leaders immediately grasp the parable’s implications. They are the tenants who have rejected God’s prophets and are now preparing to reject His Son. They burn with anger and seek to arrest Him, but fear the reaction of the people (v. 19). The parable announces both judgment for unbelief and a transfer of kingdom privilege to those who will receive Christ and bear the fruit of genuine faith.

The leaders then plot to trap Jesus with a political question. They send spies who pretend to be sincere, hoping to catch Him in something that would allow the governor to condemn Him (v. 20). They ask whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar (v. 21–22). If Jesus rejects the tax, He can be accused of rebellion; if He approves it, the people may turn against Him. Jesus discerns their craftiness and asks for a denarius. “Whose image and inscription is this?” He asks (v. 23–24). When they answer, “Caesar’s,” He replies, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (v. 25).

With one statement, Jesus both exposes their hypocrisy and establishes a timeless principle: believers are to honor governing authorities in matters pertaining to them, yet our highest allegiance belongs to God, whose image we bear. Earthly citizenship has responsibilities, but it must never overshadow our ultimate loyalty to the Lord. Stunned by His wisdom, His opponents are silenced and unable to refute Him (v. 26).

Next, the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, approach Jesus with a theological challenge based on the law of levirate marriage (v. 27). They present a hypothetical case of seven brothers who marry the same woman sequentially, each dying without children. Their question is meant to ridicule the resurrection: “In the resurrection, whose wife will she be?” (v. 28–33).

Jesus exposes their error on two levels. First, He corrects their assumption that resurrected life mirrors earthly life, stating that resurrected life is not a continuation of earthly marriage. In the age to come, those who are counted worthy of resurrection “neither marry nor are given in marriage,” for they “cannot die anymore” and are “like angels” (v. 34–36). Marriage, designed for companionship, procreation, and earthly life, will no longer be necessary in glory, for God’s redeemed will live in perfected fellowship with Him forever.

Second, Jesus affirms the certainty of the resurrection using the very Scriptures the Sadducees accept. He cites Moses’ encounter at the burning bush, where the Lord declared Himself to be “the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6). God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, “for all live to Him” (v. 37–38). His covenant with His people does not end at death; resurrection is required for His promises to be fulfilled.

Some of the scribes, who did believe in the resurrection, acknowledge the strength of His answer, saying, “Teacher, You have spoken well,” and the opponents are silenced (v. 39–40). Jesus’ response reveals both the certainty of future resurrection and the transformed nature of eternal life with God.

Jesus then turns the discussion back on the religious leaders to expose their limited understanding of the Messiah. He asks how they can say that Christ is David’s son when David himself calls Him “Lord” in Psalm 110:1: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand’” (v. 41–43). If David, Israel’s greatest king, addresses the Messiah as “Lord,” then the Messiah must be greater than David and cannot be merely his human descendant.

Jesus reveals that the Messiah is both David’s Son and David’s Lord (v. 44). This means the Christ would be fully human, born from David’s line as promised, yet also fully divine, possessing authority that belongs to God alone. The leaders cannot refute His question. In a few words, Jesus shows that Scripture itself testifies to the divine nature of the Messiah, a truth standing before them in His own person.

Jesus concludes by cautioning His disciples about the scribes and their false example. He describes how they enjoy walking in long, impressive robes, seeking public admiration and respectful greetings, and securing the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at feasts (v. 45–46). Beneath this religious image, however, they exploit the vulnerable, “devouring widows’ houses,” while offering long, eloquent prayers simply to be seen by others (v. 47). Their devotion is a performance, not an act of love for God or neighbor. Jesus warns that such hypocrisy will bring greater condemnation, for God sees the heart and will hold accountable those who use spiritual influence for personal gain.

Luke 20 presents Jesus as the authoritative King who teaches with unmatched divine wisdom, exposes false religion, and calls His hearers to genuine faith. The religious leaders challenge Him, yet each encounter only reveals their spiritual blindness and the insufficiency of human systems to produce righteousness. Jesus shows that He is the true Cornerstone, rejected by men but chosen by God, and warns that rejecting Him leads to judgment, while receiving Him brings life.

This chapter calls believers to submit to God’s authority with whole-hearted devotion. We are to render to earthly authorities what is due, yet give to God what belongs to Him, including our worship, loyalty, obedience, and lives. Jesus affirms the certainty of the resurrection and eternal life, reminding us that faithfulness now carries eternal significance.

For believers today, Luke 20 urges us to guard against hypocrisy, pride, and outward religion without inward surrender. Christ deserves our full allegiance, sincere worship, and obedient trust. Those who embrace the Son stand secure on the Cornerstone; those who refuse Him face inevitable judgment. The invitation is clear: honor Christ as Lord, rest your faith on Him alone, and live in the hope of the resurrection.

Luke 21 — Signs, Warnings, and the Call to Faithful Watchfulness

As Luke 21 opens, Jesus is still in the temple, watching the crowds as they give their offerings. He continues teaching His disciples with urgency, for the cross is drawing near and His public ministry is nearing its close. In this chapter, Jesus contrasts outward religious display with sincere devotion, foretells the coming destruction of Jerusalem, describes the signs that will precede His return, and calls His followers to steadfast endurance and watchful faithfulness. His words prepare believers for both near and distant future events, highlighting the need for perseverance in trial and readiness for His coming.

The teaching Jesus gives here is part of what is commonly called the Olivet Discourse, a message He delivered shortly after leaving the temple and sitting on the Mount of Olives. This discourse is recorded in Matthew 24–25, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In it, Jesus speaks about the judgment that would soon come upon Jerusalem and the temple, the persecution His followers would face, the signs leading up to the end of the age, and the necessity of spiritual watchfulness and faithfulness until His return. It is a significant passage because it provides Jesus’ most detailed teaching about future events, including both the near-term destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and the ultimate fulfillment at His second coming.

Jesus looks up and sees the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury (v. 1). He also sees a poor widow dropping in two small copper coins (v. 2). He declares that she has given more than all the others, for they give out of their abundance, but she gives out of her poverty, “all she had to live on” (v. 3–4). Her offering reveals a heart of full trust and devotion to God. Jesus uses this moment to teach that God measures giving not by amount, but by the sacrifice of the heart. The widow’s faith stands in stark contrast to the showy religion of the scribes in the previous chapter. True worship flows from sincere love for God, not from display or recognition, and the Lord sees the motive behind every act of giving.

Some speak of the temple, admiring its beauty and the costly stones used in its construction (v. 5). Jesus responds with a startling prophecy: “The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down” (v. 6). He foretells the destruction of the temple, which is fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroy Jerusalem. His words shift the disciples’ focus from external splendor to spiritual reality. Shocked, they ask, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” (v. 7). Jesus begins a discourse that interweaves near and distant prophecy, addressing both the fall of Jerusalem and the events surrounding His second coming. His teaching shows that while temporal institutions may crumble, God’s kingdom remains unshaken.

Jesus warns them not to be deceived, for many will come in His name, claiming to be the Christ or that the time has come (v. 8). They must not follow them. Wars and uprisings will occur, but they must not be terrified; such things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately (v. 9).

He describes upheaval on a global scale: nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and terrors and great signs from heaven (v. 10–11). These events signal the increasing birth pains before the final consummation. Jesus prepares His disciples so they will not be unsettled when the world experiences turmoil; God remains sovereign, even in chaos.

But before all this, Jesus warns that His followers will face persecution (v. 12). They will be seized and brought before synagogues, prisons, kings, and governors for His name’s sake. Yet this will result in an opportunity to bear witness (v. 13). He tells them not to prepare defense speeches beforehand, for He will give them wisdom that their adversaries cannot refute (v. 14–15). Even family members will betray believers, and some will be put to death (v. 16). They will be hated by all for His name, but “not a hair of your head will perish” (v. 17–18).

Jesus assures that though believers may suffer physically, not one eternal soul will be lost. “By your endurance,” He says, “you will gain your lives” (v. 19). Perseverance marks true discipleship. Faith that endures under pressure demonstrates genuine salvation, consistent with the call to steadfastness found throughout Scripture.

Jesus then speaks specifically of the coming destruction of Jerusalem. “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near” (v. 20). Those in Judea must flee to the mountains, those inside the city must depart, and those in the countryside must not enter (v. 21). These are days of vengeance to fulfill what is written (v. 22). He describes great distress in the land and wrath against the people. Many will fall by the sword, and others will be led captive among the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (v. 23–24).

This prophecy was fulfilled under the Roman siege in A.D. 70, yet its effects continue until God’s purposes for the Gentiles are complete. The fall of Jerusalem is a reminder that rejecting God’s gracious visitation brings judgment. At the same time, it points to God’s ongoing plan in history, as He works among both Israel and the nations according to His sovereign will, ultimately preparing for Christ’s return and the fulfillment of His kingdom promises.

Jesus then lifts their eyes beyond the fall of Jerusalem to the future climax of history—His return. He foretells signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and distress among the nations as the powers of heaven are shaken (v. 25–26). People will faint with fear and foreboding. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory (v. 27). When these things begin to take place, Jesus commands, “Stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption draws near” (v. 28). For believers, His coming is not a cause for fear, but for hope and anticipation. The same Lord who once came in humility will return in majesty to gather His people and set all things right.

Jesus gives the parable of the fig tree: when it buds, you know summer is near. Likewise, when these signs take place, you know the kingdom of God is near (v. 29–31). He declares that “this generation will not pass away until all has taken place,” indicating that the immediate judgments, especially the destruction of Jerusalem, will occur in the lifetime of His hearers (v. 32). Heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will never pass away (v. 33). His promises stand as absolute truth. God’s Word remains the sure foundation in a world of shifting kingdoms and temporary structures.

Jesus then warns His disciples to stay spiritually alert. They must guard their hearts from being weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the cares of this life, lest the day come on them suddenly like a trap (v. 34). That day will come upon all who dwell on the earth. They must stay awake, praying for strength to escape what will take place and to stand before the Son of Man (v. 35–36). Watchfulness, holiness, and prayer are essential for readiness. A distracted heart grows spiritually dull, but a prayerful heart remains prepared and anchored in hope.

Luke concludes by noting that Jesus teaches daily in the temple, while at night He goes to the Mount of Olives (v. 37). All the people rise early to hear Him in the temple (v. 38). Even as opposition mounts, Jesus remains faithful to His mission and continues to offer truth to all who will hear. His final days are marked by steadfast teaching, compassionate warning, and the call to respond while there is time.

Luke 21 reminds us that Jesus is not only the Savior who came in humility but the Sovereign Lord who will return in glory. His teaching reaches across time, preparing His disciples for the near judgment that would come upon Jerusalem, and for the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan at His second coming. The chapter contrasts shallow religion with sincere faith, temporary earthly security with eternal hope, and fearful living with watchful endurance. Jesus calls His followers to live with discernment, devotion, and perseverance in a world marked by turmoil and spiritual deception.

The widow’s offering teaches us that true worship is measured by the heart, not by appearance or amount. God sees and honors humble devotion rooted in love and trust. Jesus’ prophecy of Jerusalem’s destruction warns that rejecting God’s grace leads to judgment, yet even in judgment, God’s purposes move forward toward redemption. The unfolding signs of the end remind believers that history is not spiraling out of control; every event advances toward the return of Christ. For the believer, that day is not a cause for dread, but for joy, for “your redemption draws near” (v. 28). Followers of Christ are called to live with both urgency and hope, standing firm in trials, proclaiming Christ boldly, and keeping their hearts anchored in the promise of His coming.

Theologically, Luke 21 affirms God’s sovereignty over history, Christ’s authority as Judge and Redeemer, the certainty of His return, and the call for believers to persevere in holiness. This aligns with the biblical teaching that salvation is by grace through faith, yet believers are responsible to “endure” by walking in obedience and reliance on the Lord. The call to watch and pray underscores the believer’s ongoing dependence on God’s sustaining grace. This chapter reflects the balance of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, as we are kept by God’s power and faithfully continue in Christ, not shrinking back but pressing forward in steadfast obedience.

For us today, Luke 21 urges us to examine our hearts. Are we more like the religious leaders who admired the temple’s outward beauty, or the widow who surrendered all to God? Are we distracted by the cares of this life, or living watchfully, longing for Christ’s appearing? Jesus warns that spiritual dullness, worldliness, and neglect of prayer can cause believers to be caught unprepared. Therefore, we must remain spiritually awake, grounded in Scripture, steadfast in faith, and devoted to prayer. The times may grow darker, but the Light of the world has promised to return. Let us fix our eyes on Christ, walk in holiness, and encourage one another as we await the blessed hope of His coming.

Conclusion

Matthew 23 and Luke 20–21 present a sobering yet hope-filled message. Jesus exposes the danger of empty religion and calls His followers to sincere faith marked by humility, obedience, and truth. His warnings about the last days remind believers to stay alert, rooted in His Word, and confident in God’s sovereign plan.

For the church today, these chapters urge us to examine our hearts: Are we practicing genuine faith or merely outward religion? Are we watching for Christ’s return with steadfast devotion? Jesus’ words remind us that discipleship is not passive; rather, it is a life of truth, endurance, and expectant hope. The King who warned of judgment also promised redemption. For those who belong to Him, the call is clear: stand firm, live faithfully, and shine as His witnesses until He comes again.