What Jesus Said About Religion, Hypocrisy & Bad Religious Leadership (62 Teachings)

God knows the heart, even when people justify themselves before others.

Read the Scripture Luke 16:14–15

King James Version

Luke 16:14–15

¹⁴And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
¹⁵And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Jesus teaches with authority unlike the scribes.

Read the Scripture Matthew 7:28–29; Mark 1:22

King James Version

Matthew 7:28–29

²⁸And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
²⁹For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Mark 1:22

²²And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

Tax collectors and prostitutes may enter ahead of unrepentant religious leaders.

Read the Scripture Matthew 21:28–32

King James Version

Matthew 21:28–32

²⁸But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
²⁹He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
³⁰And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
³¹Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
³²For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Do not judge hypocritically while ignoring your own greater fault.

Read the Scripture Matthew 7:1–5; Luke 6:37, 41–42

King James Version

Matthew 7:1–5

¹Judge not, that ye be not judged.
²For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
³And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
⁴Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
⁵Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

Luke 6:37, 41–42

³⁷Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
⁴¹And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
⁴²Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.

Defilement comes fundamentally from the heart rather than food entering the body.

Read the Scripture Matthew 15:10–20; Mark 7:14–23

King James Version

Matthew 15:10–20

¹⁰And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
¹¹Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
¹²Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
¹³But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
¹⁴Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
¹⁵Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
¹⁶And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
¹⁷Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
¹⁸But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
¹⁹For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
²⁰These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Mark 7:14–23

¹⁴And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
¹⁵There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
¹⁶If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
¹⁷And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
¹⁸And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
¹⁹Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
²⁰And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
²¹For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
²²Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
²³All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Textual note: Mark 7:16 is not found in some of the earliest manuscripts.

Do not elevate human rules into divine commandments.

Read the Scripture Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7–8

King James Version

Matthew 15:9

⁹But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7–8

⁷Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
⁸For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

Beware hypocrisy because hidden things will be exposed.

Read the Scripture Luke 12:1–3

King James Version

Luke 12:1–3

¹In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
²For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
³Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

Beware outward cleanliness hiding inward corruption.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:25–28

King James Version

Matthew 23:25–28

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 sepulchres, 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.

Justice, mercy, and faithfulness are weightier matters.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:23

King James Version

Matthew 23:23

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.

Do not strain at a gnat and swallow a camel by fussing over small religious details while ignoring weightier duties.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:24

King James Version

Matthew 23:24

²⁴Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

Love of money can expose religious hypocrisy.

Read the Scripture Luke 16:13–15

King James Version

Luke 16:13–15

¹³No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
¹⁴And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
¹⁵And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Do not exploit vulnerable people while maintaining religious appearance.

Read the Scripture Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47; Matthew 23:14

King James Version

Mark 12:40

⁴⁰Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Luke 20:47

⁴⁷Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

Matthew 23:14

¹⁴Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Textual note: Matthew 23:14 is not found in some of the earliest manuscripts.

Priestly Sabbath work shows not all Sabbath activity is violation.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:5

King James Version

Matthew 12:5

⁵Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

Human tradition must not invalidate God's command.

Read the Scripture Matthew 15:1–9; Mark 7:1–13

King James Version

Matthew 15:1–9

¹Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
²Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
³But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
⁴For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
⁵But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
⁶And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
⁷Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
⁸This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
⁹But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:1–13

¹Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
²And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
³For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
⁴And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
⁵Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
⁶He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
⁷Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
⁸For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
⁹And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
¹⁰For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
¹¹But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
¹²And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
¹³Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Love of God and neighbor is more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Read the Scripture Mark 12:32–34

King James Version

Mark 12:32–34

³²And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
³³And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
³⁴And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

Jesus refuses to condemn the woman caught in adultery, exposes her accusers' hypocrisy, and tells her to sin no more.

Read the Scripture John 7:53–8:11

King James Version

John 7:53–8:11

^7:53And every man went unto his own house.
^8:1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
^8:2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
^8:3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
^8:4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
^8:5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
^8:6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
^8:7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
^8:8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
^8:9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
^8:10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
^8:11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Textual note: John 7:53–8:11 (the woman caught in adultery) is not found in some of the earliest manuscripts.

Jesus answers criticism for eating with sinners by saying the sick need a physician and he came to call sinners.

Read the Scripture Matthew 9:10–13; Mark 2:15–17; Luke 5:29–32

King James Version

Matthew 9:10–13

¹⁰And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
¹¹And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
¹²But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
¹³But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mark 2:15–17

¹⁵And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
¹⁶And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
¹⁷When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:29–32

²⁹And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
³⁰But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
³¹And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
³²I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus answers fasting criticism by identifying himself as the bridegroom.

Read the Scripture Matthew 9:14–17; Mark 2:18–22; Luke 5:33–39

King James Version

Matthew 9:14–17

¹⁴Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
¹⁵And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
¹⁶No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
¹⁷Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

Mark 2:18–22

¹⁸And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
¹⁹And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
²⁰But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
²¹No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
²²And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

Luke 5:33–39

³³And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
³⁴And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?
³⁵But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
³⁶And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.
³⁷And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
³⁸But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
³⁹No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

Jesus answers Sabbath grain-plucking criticism by citing David, priestly service, mercy, and his Sabbath lordship.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:1–8; Mark 2:23–28; Luke 6:1–5

King James Version

Matthew 12:1–8

¹At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
²But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
³But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
⁴How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
⁵Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
⁶But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
⁷But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
⁸For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Mark 2:23–28

²³And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
²⁴And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
²⁵And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
²⁶How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
²⁷And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
²⁸Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Luke 6:1–5

¹And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.
²And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
³And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
⁴How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
⁵And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Jesus answers Sabbath-healing objections by asking whether it is lawful to do good and save life.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:9–14; Mark 3:1–6; Luke 6:6–11

King James Version

Matthew 12:9–14

⁹And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
¹⁰And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
¹¹And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
¹²How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
¹³Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
¹⁴Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

Mark 3:1–6

¹And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
²And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
³And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.
⁴And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
⁵And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
⁶And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

Luke 6:6–11

⁶And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
⁷And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
⁸But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
⁹Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
¹⁰And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
¹¹And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

Jesus answers the Beelzebub accusation by showing that a divided kingdom cannot stand.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:22–30; Mark 3:22–27; Luke 11:14–23

King James Version

Matthew 12:22–30

²²Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
²³And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
²⁴But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
²⁵And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
²⁶And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
²⁷And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
²⁸But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
²⁹Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
³⁰He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Mark 3:22–27

²²And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
²³And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
²⁴And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
²⁵And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
²⁶And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
²⁷No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

Luke 11:14–23

¹⁴And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
¹⁵But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
¹⁶And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
¹⁷But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
¹⁸If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
¹⁹And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
²⁰But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
²¹When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
²²But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
²³He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

Whoever is not with Jesus is against him in the decisive kingdom conflict.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:30; Luke 11:23

King James Version

Matthew 12:30

³⁰He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Luke 11:23

²³He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:31–32; Mark 3:28–30; Luke 12:10

King James Version

Matthew 12:31–32

³¹Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
³²And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Mark 3:28–30

²⁸Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
²⁹But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
³⁰Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

Luke 12:10

¹⁰And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

Hardened sign-seeking receives the sign of Jonah.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:38–42; 16:1–4; Luke 11:29–32

King James Version

Matthew 12:38–42

³⁸Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
³⁹But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
⁴⁰For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
⁴¹The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
⁴²The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

Matthew 16:1–4

¹The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
²He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
³And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
⁴A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

Luke 11:29–32

²⁹And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
³⁰For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.
³¹The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
³²The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

Nineveh's repentance will condemn a generation rejecting greater revelation.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:41; Luke 11:32

King James Version

Matthew 12:41

⁴¹The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

Luke 11:32

³²The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

The queen of the South will condemn a generation rejecting someone greater than Solomon.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31

King James Version

Matthew 12:42

⁴²The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

Luke 11:31

³¹The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

Religious leaders become blind guides when tradition displaces God's command.

Read the Scripture Matthew 15:12–14

King James Version

Matthew 15:12–14

¹²Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
¹³But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
¹⁴Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Every plant not planted by the Father will be uprooted.

Read the Scripture Matthew 15:13

King James Version

Matthew 15:13

¹³But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

If the blind lead the blind, both fall into a pit.

Read the Scripture Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39

King James Version

Matthew 15:14

¹⁴Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Luke 6:39

³⁹And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

Beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees: their teaching and their hypocrisy.

Read the Scripture Matthew 16:5–12; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1

King James Version

Matthew 16:5–12

⁵And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
⁶Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
⁷And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
⁸Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
⁹Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
¹⁰Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
¹¹How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
¹²Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Mark 8:15

¹⁵And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

Luke 12:1

¹In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Jesus refuses manipulative sign-seeking.

Read the Scripture Matthew 16:1–4; Mark 8:11–13

King James Version

Matthew 16:1–4

¹The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
²He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
³And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
⁴A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

Mark 8:11–13

¹¹And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
¹²And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
¹³And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

Jesus exposes the tax trap by distinguishing Caesar's claim from God's.

Read the Scripture Matthew 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:20–26

King James Version

Matthew 22:15–22

¹⁵Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
¹⁶And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
¹⁷Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
¹⁸But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
¹⁹Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
²⁰And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
²¹They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
²²When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

Mark 12:13–17

¹³And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
¹⁴And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Cæsar, or not?
¹⁵Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
¹⁶And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Cæsar’s.
¹⁷And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.

Luke 20:20–26

²⁰And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
²¹And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:
²²Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or no?
²³But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
²⁴Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Cæsar’s.
²⁵And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.
²⁶And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Jesus answers Sadducees by affirming resurrection and correcting ignorance of Scripture and God's power.

Read the Scripture Matthew 22:23–33; Mark 12:18–27; Luke 20:27–40

King James Version

Matthew 22:23–33

²³The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
²⁴Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
²⁵Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
²⁶Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
²⁷And last of all the woman died also.
²⁸Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
²⁹Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
³⁰For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
³¹But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
³²I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
³³And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

Mark 12:18–27

¹⁸Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
¹⁹Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man’s brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
²⁰Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.
²¹And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
²²And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.
²³In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.
²⁴And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
²⁵For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
²⁶And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
²⁷He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

Luke 20:27–40

²⁷Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
²⁸Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
²⁹There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
³⁰And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.
³¹And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
³²Last of all the woman died also.
³³Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.
³⁴And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
³⁵But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
³⁶Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
³⁷Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
³⁸For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
³⁹Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
⁴⁰And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

Scribes and Pharisees may sit in Moses' seat, but their hypocrisy should not be imitated.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:1–3

King James Version

Matthew 23:1–3

¹Then spake 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.

Religious leaders are condemned for laying heavy burdens on others without helping carry them.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46

King James Version

Matthew 23:4

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.

Luke 11:46

⁴⁶And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

Religious leaders are condemned for doing religious works to be seen.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:5

King James Version

Matthew 23:5

⁵But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Religious leaders are condemned for loving honor, best seats, greetings, and titles.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:6–12; Mark 12:38–40; Luke 11:43; 20:45–47

King James Version

Matthew 23:6–12

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.

Mark 12:38–40

³⁸And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
³⁹And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
⁴⁰Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Luke 11:43

⁴³Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

Luke 20:45–47

⁴⁵Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,
⁴⁶Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
⁴⁷Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

Woe to scribes and Pharisees who shut the kingdom in people's faces.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:13

King James Version

Matthew 23:13

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.

Woe to zeal that makes converts more deeply captive to corrupt religion.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:15

King James Version

Matthew 23:15

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.

Woe to blind guides who manipulate oath rules.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:16–22

King James Version

Matthew 23:16–22

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 sanctifieth the gold?
¹⁸And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
¹⁹Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
²⁰Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
²¹And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
²²And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

Woe to honoring dead prophets while continuing the same murderous resistance.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:29–36

King James Version

Matthew 23:29–36

²⁹Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
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.

Religious leaders can fill up the measure of their ancestors' opposition to God.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:32

King James Version

Matthew 23:32

³²Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Jesus warns of severe judgment on leaders who persecute God's messengers.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:33–36

King James Version

Matthew 23:33–36

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.

Jesus laments Jerusalem's unwillingness to be gathered under his protection.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:37–39; Luke 13:34–35

King James Version

Matthew 23:37–39

³⁷O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth 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.

Luke 13:34–35

³⁴O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
³⁵Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Woe to Pharisees who tithe herbs but neglect justice and love of God.

Read the Scripture Luke 11:42

King James Version

Luke 11:42

⁴²But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Woe to Pharisees who are like unmarked graves.

Read the Scripture Luke 11:44

King James Version

Luke 11:44

⁴⁴Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

Woe to lawyers who build tombs for prophets while sharing the spirit of their killers.

Read the Scripture Luke 11:47–51

King James Version

Luke 11:47–51

⁴⁷Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.
⁴⁸Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
⁴⁹Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
⁵⁰That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
⁵¹From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

Woe to experts who take away the key of knowledge and hinder others.

Read the Scripture Luke 11:52

King James Version

Luke 11:52

⁵²Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

Jesus rebukes those who criticize mercy shown to a sinful woman while failing ordinary hospitality.

Read the Scripture Luke 7:36–50

King James Version

Luke 7:36–50

³⁶And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
³⁷And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
³⁸And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
³⁹Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
⁴⁰And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
⁴¹There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
⁴²And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
⁴³Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
⁴⁴And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
⁴⁵Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
⁴⁶My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
⁴⁷Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
⁴⁸And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
⁴⁹And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
⁵⁰And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Jesus exposes leaders who devour widows' houses while making long prayers.

Read the Scripture Mark 12:38–40; Luke 20:45–47

King James Version

Mark 12:38–40

³⁸And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
³⁹And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
⁴⁰Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Luke 20:45–47

⁴⁵Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,
⁴⁶Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
⁴⁷Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

When accused of breaking the Sabbath, Jesus answers that his Father is always working and that he does the Father's work.

Read the Scripture John 5:16–23

King James Version

John 5:16–23

¹⁶And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
¹⁷But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
¹⁸Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
¹⁹Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
²⁰For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
²¹For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
²²For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
²³That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Physical descent from Abraham is not enough when conduct contradicts Abraham.

Read the Scripture John 8:37–40

King James Version

John 8:37–40

³⁷I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
³⁸I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
³⁹They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
⁴⁰But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

Jesus answers the charge of demon possession by saying he honors the Father and does not seek his own glory.

Read the Scripture John 8:48–50

King James Version

John 8:48–50

⁴⁸Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
⁴⁹Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
⁵⁰And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

Claiming spiritual sight while rejecting truth leaves a person accountable for blindness.

Read the Scripture John 9:39–41

King James Version

John 9:39–41

³⁹And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
⁴⁰And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
⁴¹Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Jesus answers the blasphemy accusation by appealing to Scripture and the Father's works.

Read the Scripture John 10:31–38

King James Version

John 10:31–38

³¹Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
³²Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
³³The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
³⁴Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
³⁵If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
³⁶Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
³⁷If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
³⁸But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

If opponents struggle with Jesus' verbal claims, they should at least evaluate his works.

Read the Scripture John 10:37–38

King James Version

John 10:37–38

³⁷If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
³⁸But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

Children in the marketplace picture a generation determined to criticize both John and Jesus.

Read the Scripture Matthew 11:16–19; Luke 7:31–35

King James Version

Matthew 11:16–19

¹⁶But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
¹⁷And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
¹⁸For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
¹⁹The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Luke 7:31–35

³¹And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
³²They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
³³For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
³⁴The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
³⁵But wisdom is justified of all her children.

The returning unclean spirit warns that empty reform can end worse than the beginning.

Read the Scripture Matthew 12:43–45; Luke 11:24–26

King James Version

Matthew 12:43–45

⁴³When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
⁴⁴Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
⁴⁵Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Luke 11:24–26

²⁴When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
²⁵And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
²⁶Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

The Pharisee and tax collector teach humble repentance over self-righteous contempt.

Read the Scripture Luke 18:9–14

King James Version

Luke 18:9–14

⁹And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
¹⁰Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
¹¹The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
¹²I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
¹³And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
¹⁴I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Stop making the Father's house a marketplace.

Read the Scripture John 2:16

King James Version

John 2:16

¹⁶And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

Circumcision and Sabbath practice expose inconsistency in condemning Jesus for healing on the Sabbath.

Read the Scripture John 7:22–23

King James Version

John 7:22–23

²²Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
²³If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

Jesus is zealous for the holiness of his Father's house.

Read the Scripture Matthew 21:12–13; John 2:13–17

King James Version

Matthew 21:12–13

¹²And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
¹³And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

John 2:13–17

¹³And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
¹⁴And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
¹⁵And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;
¹⁶And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
¹⁷And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

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How can Jesus help?

What Jesus said about Religion, Hypocrisy & Bad Religious Leadership

A Guide for Real Life