Joe: Alright, so we got Bible Expert on the show today, let's jump right into chapter 23 of the book of Matthew.

Bible Expert: Sure. In this chapter, Jesus begins by denouncing the scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites and saying they should not be followed. He criticizes them for their outward show of piety and their failure to practice what they preach.

Joe: Wait, hold on a second. Scribes and Pharisees? What's the difference?

Bible Expert: Right, the scribes were essentially like teachers of the law and the Pharisees were religious leaders, so Jesus is basically saying that the religious leaders of the time were not to be trusted.

Joe: Damn, that's kinda harsh. What else does he say?

Bible Expert: He then goes on to list seven woes, or seven criticisms of their behavior. He says that they are preoccupied with outward appearances and neglecting the inner matters of the heart. He also criticizes them for their hypocritical behavior, such as their willingness to take advantage of people in need.

Joe: Wow, that sounds pretty intense. What else?

Bible Expert: Jesus then goes on to warn the people to be wary of false prophets and to be careful not to follow them. He ends by warning the people that they must be careful not to fall into the same traps that the scribes and Pharisees have fallen into.

Joe: Alright, so what's the takeaway here?

Bible Expert: The takeaway is that we should be careful not to follow blindly, as the religious leaders of the time have done, and be wary of false prophets. We should also focus on the inner matters of the heart, rather than being preoccupied with outward appearances.