Jesus unleashes a scorching series of “woes” against showy, self-righteous leadership—exposing how legalism locks people out of the Kingdom and calling His followers to humility, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This episode unpacks the context, the prophetic edge, and how to keep our churches safe for seekers.

👀 What you’ll discover in this episode...

✅ 🔥 Why Jesus reserves His sharpest words for hypocritical, power-protecting leaders

✅ 🧭 How the OT “woe” tradition (prophetic accountability) frames Matthew 23

✅ 🚪 “Shutting the door of the Kingdom”: what that looks like now—and how to stop it

✅ ⚖️ Gnat vs camel: tithing herbs while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness

✅ 🧽 Clean outside vs inside: becoming a safe community instead of a performative one

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Context recap and why Matthew 23 follows yesterday’s passage

01:30 – The prophetic “woe” tradition and Jesus’ first-century application

03:35 – Woes 1–3: gatekeeping, hollow oaths, and misdirected zeal

05:15 – Woes 4–5: gnat vs camel; outside clean, inside corrupt

06:30 – Woes 6–7: whitewashed tombs; honouring prophets while repeating their murder

08:25 – Modern parallels, a Bethlehem story, and practical safeguards for a welcoming church

🙋‍♂️ Reflection and Application

Where might my habits (or our church culture) “shut the door” on people Jesus is drawing?

Am I straining gnats (minor rules) while swallowing camels (justice, mercy, faithfulness)?

One step today: who can I welcome, serve, or encourage so church feels safe for them?

💬 Share your thoughts below or in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

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