The Woes in Matthew (Woe 1)

For the next several weeks, I will study and research the seven woes in Matthew 23 and give practical examples how we still implement those woes today. We may not realize we impose our unfounded ideas on others, but you would be surprised what we do because our parents did it or because it is the way we have always done it or it is how our church does it. Read along and stay tuned each week for a journey through the Seven Woes in Matthew.

• Woe One: Matthew 23:13-14 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.  

Pharisees were a strict Jewish sect that carefully observed the law. They were known for their piety (showing reverence for deity and devotion to divine worship). The teachers and Pharisees followed the law so strictly, there was no room for mercy and grace. They put burdens on others and made it difficult for people to come to the Lord. They had very high expectations, rigid rules, exact regulations and heavy traditions that caused oppressive consequences when not accomplished correctly.

Problem: We want 'the lost' to 'join' our church, but we are not at all aware of how to carry their burdens and seldom make them feel unworthy of being there. We want them to 'fit it' with our church dress code. Have you ever seen a church bulletin that states what the dress code is? If you have, I'd love to see it. We expect them to dress 'right' before they worship God with us. We expect them to NOT be needy before they come to church. We want them to be well before they come into our safe place of well people. I've heard the church is like a hospital and only the sick are allowed in...that would be everyone! We think all these changes should have occurred at the moment of baptism and if they did not, that person is just not following God like they should.

In reality, coming to church is not the 'fix-it-all' answer. Being baptized is not the 'fix-it-all' answer either. Baptism is not the outward expression of, "I've got it all together." Coming to church and being baptized means a person is still working on a relationship with God or is some cases they have just started a relationship with Him. It could take months or even years to untangle some of the un-truths they are taught.

What to do? Realize people are all broken in some way...even people at church. Realize most people still need someone to stand in the gap for them from time to time. Be someone's accountability friend. Don't be judgmental. That is just like slamming the door of heaven in their face like the verse talks about.

Example: A lady came to our congregation for the first time and sat down. The person she sat by got up and moved. Now, I realize that person may not have move on purpose, but I've been told that that lady has never come back...slam.

Example: When church go'en people are not patient with new, baby church go'en seekers...slam. When people talk behind the back of a person who really needs a friend...slam. When people give up...slam.

Jesus is patient with me. He always takes me back when I sin and repent and repeat. He never gives up on me! Keep in step with the Spirit!

Can you think of any examples that slam the door of heaven to people who are seeking?