Why did Jesus pronounce “woes” on religious leaders?

Matthew gathers his sharpest words into one chapter: leaders who shut the Kingdom in people’s faces, who polish the outside of the cup, who resemble whitewashed tombs.

From the book 12∞ Twelve to Infinity by D.R. Davenport. The full answer is free to read with an iBelieve account.

Where it sits in the book

Part

2: Jesus Beyond the Religious Construct

Gate

2.7: Jesus and Religious Authority

In print

Page 66

• ← 2.7.6 · What is legalism, and why did Jesus resist it?
• 2.7.8 → · What did “render unto Caesar” mean?
• All of Part 2

Topics

• Authority, religious
• Woes

Explore the same vibration

• What can I still learn from the religious perspective I left? · 4.2.3
• What happens when religious and political power merge? · 11.2.7
• How should I face the history of violence done in Christ’s name? · 8.7.10
• How does Jesus relate to other religions? · 2.12.7
• Should I get help for myself as well? · 3.11.3
• Should I expose my child to more than one religious tradition? · 5.4.7