45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 23: Jesus Curses Jerusalem for Killing the Prophets, Creating Traditions Over the Word of God with False Spiritual Authority..
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How to Get the Most Out of The Challenge
The Gospel consists of four books in the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that share the teachings of Jesus Christ. You can start the FREE “45 Day Challenge” at any time by visiting the ePrayer Circle homepage and selecting the “45 Day Challenge” menu option. Feel free to share these lessons and print them for use in your Bible study groups. You can also translate the content into multiple languages using the Google Translate menu bar on the homepage.
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.Transcript: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS CHALLENGE
Step One. Start in the order of: the Gospel of John, Luke, Mark and Matthew for understanding.
The instructions are designed for accessibility and ensures the learner is not overwhelmed and confused. Post your questions in the comment section and the author will answer you. Please share your experiences and opinions.
Step Two. Each lesson takes about 35 minutes to complete: 20 min to study the lesson and take the quiz. 15 minutes to read the Bible resource
It is recommended to read the entire post and then take the quiz before reading or listening to the bible resources. Each lesson is self-contained and includes all resources needed.
Step 3: You should complete two lessons a day. 5 Days a week in order to complete the “45 Days to Read The Gospel Challenge in 45 days”.
There is no law that says you have to complete these lessons in 45 days. You are free to work at your own pace. Study the lesson and take the quiz in the morning, and later listen to or read the bible resources.
Step 4: Get organize with pen and paper. Take notes. Each lesson contains: Header Sections (Table of Contents): (1) chapter summary, (2) objectives, (3) outline, (4) reflection question, (5) chapter highlights, (6) resources, (7) interactive quiz, and (8) a call to salvation.
Step 5: Enjoy. The Gospel Changes Lives. Get active and communicate with others. Share the lessons with friends. No stress. Work at your own pace. Upon satisfactory completion you will receive a personal Certificate
Thank you for taking this challenge. Let’s get started.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son, is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
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Before Starting this Course:
Step 2: Share your thoughts or testimony to help others on Instagram @eprayercircleondemand, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/eprayercircle, @eprayercircle, or in the comment section below each post.
Step 3: If you are not saved, please get saved today. See the “Offer of Salvation” below. If you need prayer, comment or fill out the prayer request form.
Step 4: Make the Word part of your daily life by memorizing scripture. Repeat it for comfort, protection, and encouragement in the Lord.
Step 5: Support eprayercircle.com by subscribing and sharing. Hit the bell on mobile and check out our YouTube channel. It’s free!
Read the Word in the parking lot while waiting on others.
Read the Word in the morning with coffee and at night for easy rest at bedtime.
Read the Word when you walk for exercise.
Send the Word to your social media platforms.
Text the Word to people to encourage them in the Lord: children, friends, spouses, acquaintances, or neighbors.
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Overview of The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Matthew was a former tax collector, called by Jesus to follow Him. His Gospel is believed to have been written between 50-70 AD, and it is the first book in the New Testament, even though it may not have been the first Gospel written. Matthew’s account emphasizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah and King, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies.
Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and King David, highlighting Jesus’ royal and Jewish heritage. It then moves into the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth, His baptism by John the Baptist, and the start of His ministry.
Mary and her husband Joseph were both from the lineage of King David. Matthew 1:17 “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.” Matthew tells of a prophetic word that told of Jesus’ birth.
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” It is interesting to note that Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly because of her pregnancy. But an angel came to him and verified that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Ghost. Therefore, Joseph stayed married to Mary and did not consummate the marriage until Jesus Christ was born.
Note: Jesus Christ is a name translated in the English versions. It is accepted by God. For this purpose these studies are on the English speaking version. Philippians 2:9 KJV “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name:” There are many names people call Jesus but it is only one name to be saved by. If you mispronounce other names (thinking that is the original name) then you are not calling on the Lord.
It is known that what we pronounce today is not the way it was pronounced then. Develop a personal relationship with the Lord and you will know he answers to the name name Jesus Christ (the blood sacrifice). He is the God of the living. Psalms 100:3 KJV 3 Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
The Gospel of Matthew is known for including many of Jesus’ key teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about love, humility, prayer, and the Kingdom of God. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus performs miracles, heals the sick, and casts out demons, showing His divine authority.
Matthew also places a strong emphasis on Jesus’ role as a teacher and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He frequently references the Scriptures to show how Jesus’ life and mission align with what was foretold about the Messiah. The Gospel also includes Jesus’ parables, teachings on discipleship, and warnings about the final judgment.
The story of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection is the heart of the Gospel. Matthew ends with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, spreading the message of salvation.
In summary, the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the King of all nations, whose life, death, and resurrection bring salvation to the world.
Note From Editor: The name “Jesus Christ” is an English translation, and it is accepted by God. Philippians 2:9 KJV says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”
People call Jesus by many praise names, but only one name is called upon for salvation by English speaking people and that is Jesus Christ. If you mispronounce other names thinking they are the original, you might not be calling on the Lord.
Language has changed over time, but when you have a personal relationship with Jesus, you will know that the name Jesus Christ, the Savior is accepted by God. The Holy spirit bears witness. Jesus gave His life for us. Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know ye that the Lord, He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.”
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45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 23
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OVERVIEW OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
In this course, students will explore Matthew 23, where Jesus delivers a strong warning against the hypocrisy and pride of the religious leaders, the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus calls out their outward displays of righteousness, which hide their inward corruption. Through His teaching, students will learn about the dangers of focusing on appearances rather than genuine faith, justice, and mercy.
The course will also highlight Jesus’ emphasis on humility, teaching that true greatness comes from serving others and living with integrity. By the end of this course, students will understand the importance of aligning their actions with their faith and the value of humility in God’s kingdom.
In this chapter, Jesus speaks ill of the Scribes and Pharisees that joined together to destroy him. He declares woes on Jerusalem because of them.
Jesus warns the people about the Scribes and Pharisees, who were religious leaders plotting against Him. He speaks out against their hypocrisy and explains why they are wrong. He condemns them and tells why. Jesus also declares woes (warnings) over Jerusalem because of their actions.
The Scribes were educated men who knew the law, often serving as teachers and secretaries to kings. They were responsible for interpreting the Scriptures, but their teaching and behavior were the opposite of Jesus’. They often felt offended by Jesus and worked with the Pharisees to bring about His death.
The Pharisees were Jewish religious leaders who followed strict rules from the law of Moses. They acted righteous on the outside by obeying many rules, but Jesus said they missed the more important matters—justice, mercy, and faith. Jesus called them hypocrites, saying they only cared about being seen, praised, and given honor. They made long prayers to look good but didn’t live according to God’s commands.
Jesus compared the Pharisees to whitewashed tombs—clean on the outside but full of death and corruption on the inside. They took on religious authority they didn’t deserve and focused on traditions over God’s Word. They even valued gold more than heaven. Jesus called them blind guides.
Jesus also warned that the blood of all the prophets who were killed would be on this generation because of their rejection of God’s messengers. He said that the people of Jerusalem had killed and persecuted the prophets sent by God, and now judgment was coming upon them.
Finally, Jesus expresses grief (lamentation) over Jerusalem, saying that their house (God’s presence) would be taken away from them because of their rejection of Him. He prophesies that they will not see Him again until they recognize and welcome Him as the Messiah, saying, “Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.”
Note: The above passage demonstrates that the Lord can remove his spirit from places. Especially, if they are very evil and come up against the Word of God. That is why location is stressed in the bible as important. People are moved to different lands and places in the bible for many reasons such as: protection (baby in the manger), fulfilling of prophecies, creating kingdoms, and to bless people.
Alt tag: #Dissentions
Time: 35 minutes to complete lesson: 20 minutes to read the entire post and take the interactive quiz, additional 15 minutes to view video resource and comment on social media.
Objectives for Chapter 23 -The Gospel of Matthew. What you will learn:
You will understand why Jesus instructs the people to follow the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees but not to imitate their behavior.
You will learn about the woes that Jesus pronounces against the Pharisees and scribes, denouncing their hypocrisy.
You will explore how Jesus holds the current generation accountable for the blood of the prophets that the religious leaders killed in the past.
You will understand the lamentation Jesus expresses over Jerusalem, reflecting His grief and sorrow for the city’s rejection of God’s message.
Outline for Chapter 23 of the Gospel of Matthew
1. Jesus directs the people to follow the teaching, but not the example, of the scribes and Pharisees.
2. He denounces woes upon them.
3. The blood of all the prophets to come upon that generation.
4. Jesus’ lamentation over Jerusalem.
Reflection and Discussion: Something to think about.
There is a difference between religious leaders making mistakes and those who live in sin deliberately. Jesus taught us to follow the teachings of religious leaders, but not to imitate their actions if they are morally corrupt. He also warned us not to give others flattering spiritual titles like “Father” or “Master,” because these titles can lead to pride and pretense.
These titles can give too much spiritual authority to a human, when it is God who is the true source of all authority. Remember, we have only one teacher—Jesus Christ—through His Holy Spirit, and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, sharing God’s Word.
Have you ever attended a religious ceremony or church and later discovered that the leaders were morally corrupt? How did you handle that situation?
Resources For This Lesson
Click here for the King James Bible version in the text (pdf), mobile viewing on the web (KJV), YouTube audio, and video (Total Time: 8 min.) Part One and Part Two.
See “Chapter 23 Highlights” below for scriptures and help with the quiz. If needed, refresh the screen to retake the quiz.
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Objectives for Chapter 23 -The Gospel of Matthew. What you will learn:
1. You will learn why Jesus directs the people to follow the teaching, but not the example, of the Scribes and Pharisees. Matthew 23: 1-12 KJV
1Then spoke Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2Saying, The Scribes, and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:
3All therefore, whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
2. You will learn that Jesus denounces woes upon them. Matthew 23:13-29 KJV
13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
14Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
15Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
16Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
17Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
18And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever swears by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
19Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
20Whoso, therefore, shall swear by the altar, swears by it, and by all things thereon.
21And whoso shall swear by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
22And he that shall swear by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him, that sits thereon.
23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
28Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
29Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous,
3. Jesus revenges the blood of all the prophets they killed on the entire generation Matthew 23: 30-36 KJV
‘30And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
31Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
32Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
33Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
34Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
36Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
4. Jesus’ lamentation over Jerusalem. Matthew 23:37-39 KJV
. 37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that kills the prophets, and stones them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
38Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
39For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed, is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Note: Lamentation means expressing grief by Definitions from Oxford Languages
Interactive Quiz
alt tag: #Quiz
#1. Jesus tells the people whatsoever the Pharisees and Scribes bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not follow after their works. Why?
#2. Fill in the blank with the best answer. Jesus announces woes on the Scribes and Pharisees because they were___________
#3. True or False? Jesus avenges the blood of the prophets by declaring Matthew 23:35KJV 35That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
#4. True or False? Jesus withdrew God's spirit from Jersuleum by saying, 38Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. 39For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed, is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Results
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Call to salvation:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.
