The Seven Woes
Matthew 23:13-36

23:13

Not letting others enter the Kingdom of Heaven and not entering yourselves

23:15

Converting people away from God to be like yourselves

23:16-22

Blindly leading God’s people to follow man-made traditions instead of God’s Word

23:23, 24

Involving yourself in every last detail and ignoring what is really important; justice, mercy and faith

23:25, 26

Keeping up appearances while your private world is corrupt

23:27, 28

Acting spiritual to cover up sin

23:29, 36

Pretending to have learned from past history, but your present behavior show you have learned nothing

Jesus mentioned seven ways to guarantee God’s anger, often called the "seven woes." These seven statements about the religious leaders must have been spoken with a mixed tone of judgment and sorrow. They were strong and unforgettable. They are still applicable anytime we become so involved in perfecting the practice or religion that we forget that God is also concerned with mercy, real love, and forgiveness.