Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 23:1-12. Throughout Jesus’ Holy Week teaching, the scribes and Pharisees have continued their angry unbelief toward Him. He now turns away from them to address those who have been receptive to His teaching. He warns His disciples and the crowds concerning these false teachers. When they speak as heirs of Moses’ teaching, repeating the Word of God, that Word does continue to bear authority that must be heard and believed. But the false deeds and actions of the scribes and Pharisees must not be followed. They only add burdens to people, demanding a righteousness that comes through the Law, without giving any aid to people, because they lead people away from Christ. Instead of doing good works in service to the neighbor, the Pharisees and scribes are only concerned with being seen and praised by others. Jesus warns against such misuse of the vocations that He has given. Those who would be