Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 23:13-39.
Jesus speaks a series of seven woes to the scribes and Pharisees. Such words are far stronger than bad news; Jesus tells these false teachers that they are on the broad road to eternal death. Woe is theirs because they have rejected the saving grace of Jesus and have taught others to do the same. Woe is theirs because they have been more concerned about their own gifts and works than the One who gives and works for them. Woe is theirs because they have neglected the weightiest matters of God’s Word. Woe is there because they have only concerned themselves with outward righteousness while remaining inwardly sinful because they have rejected Jesus’ cleansing. Woe is theirs because they are about to fulfill the deeds of their fathers by crucifying Jesus. Throughout these woes, Jesus does not share the hatred of the Pharisees and scribes. Rather, He only desires to gather them together under His salvation. He laments that they only reject Him. Yet the text is not without hope. Jesus calls all who hear His Words to repentance and faith to trust in Him alone as our righteousness and holiness.
“All Righteousness Fulfilled” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that digs into the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims Jesus to Jews and Gentiles alike as the fulfillment of God’s saving words and acts throughout the Old Testament. As the Christ in the line of David and Abraham, Jesus is the promised King who comes to bring sinners from every nation to live under His gracious reign.
