The Pharisees' Final Woe

In Matthew 23, Jesus follows the pattern of the Old Testament prophets in announcing woe, or judgment. First, the announcement of judgment is made; followed by the evidence and proof; in turn followed by the description of the judgment to come. This paragraph is the last bit of evidence, the apex of all of their crimes and sins. Pharisaism is not an innocent mistake. It actively despises the truth. Those who trust in their own works and goodness cannot tolerate those whose hope is God's grace.