Matthew 23:4
They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
They tie up
The phrase "tie up" in the Greek is "δέω" (deo), which means to bind or fasten. This imagery suggests a deliberate and forceful action, indicating the Pharisees' intentional imposition of rules and regulations. Historically, the Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses, often adding oral traditions that became burdensome. This reflects a legalistic approach that prioritizes external compliance over internal transformation, a cautionary reminder for believers to focus on the spirit rather than the letter of the law.

heavy, burdensome loads
The Greek word for "heavy" is "βαρέα" (barea), and "burdensome" is "δυσβάστακτα" (dysbastakta), which together emphasize the oppressive nature of these loads. In the historical context, these loads refer to the extensive and often impossible demands of the Pharisaic laws. Spiritually, this serves as a metaphor for any religious practice that becomes a hindrance rather than a help in one's relationship with God. Jesus contrasts this with His own teaching in Matthew 11:28-30, where He offers rest and an easy yoke, highlighting the grace and freedom found in Him.

and lay them on men’s shoulders
The act of laying burdens on "men’s shoulders" suggests an imposition of responsibility and obligation. In ancient times, carrying loads on one's shoulders was a common practice, symbolizing the weight of duty. The Pharisees' actions are depicted as hypocritical, as they impose these burdens without compassion or assistance. This serves as a warning against spiritual leaders who prioritize control over care, reminding believers of the importance of servant leadership modeled by Christ.

but they themselves are not willing
The phrase "not willing" in Greek is "οὐ θέλουσιν" (ou thelousin), indicating a deliberate choice or refusal. This highlights the Pharisees' hypocrisy, as they demand from others what they are unwilling to do themselves. It underscores the importance of integrity and authenticity in spiritual leadership, where actions should align with teachings. This calls believers to self-examination, ensuring that their faith is lived out consistently and genuinely.

to lift a finger to move them
The expression "to lift a finger" is a colloquialism that implies minimal effort. In the Greek, "κινῆσαι" (kinēsai) means to move or shift. The Pharisees' unwillingness to assist even in the smallest way reveals their lack of compassion and empathy. This serves as a powerful reminder of the call to bear one another's burdens, as instructed in Galatians 6:2. It challenges believers to actively participate in the support and encouragement of others, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in tangible ways.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, addressing the crowds and His disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and teachers of the law.

2. Pharisees
A religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the law and traditions, often criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy and legalism.

3. Teachers of the Law (Scribes)
Experts in the Mosaic Law who were responsible for teaching and interpreting the law to the people, often associated with the Pharisees.

4. Jerusalem
The city where Jesus delivered this discourse, a central place for Jewish religious life and the location of the Temple.

5. The Crowd and Disciples
The audience to whom Jesus was speaking, including His followers and the general public who were listening to His teachings.
Teaching Points
Hypocrisy in Leadership
Leaders should practice what they preach. Jesus condemns the Pharisees for imposing burdens they themselves are unwilling to bear, highlighting the importance of integrity and authenticity in leadership.

The Burden of Legalism
Legalism places heavy burdens on people, focusing on rules rather than relationship. Jesus calls us to a life of grace and freedom, not one of oppressive legalistic demands.

Compassion and Support
As followers of Christ, we are called to help others with their burdens, not add to them. This involves practical acts of love and support, reflecting the heart of Jesus.

Self-Examination
Believers should examine their own lives for areas of hypocrisy or legalism, seeking to align their actions with the teachings of Christ.

The Role of Grace
Emphasize the importance of grace in the Christian life, understanding that our relationship with God is based on His grace, not our ability to follow rules perfectly.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we identify and avoid the hypocrisy that Jesus condemns in the Pharisees in our own lives and communities?

2. In what ways can we help to lift the burdens of others, both within the church and in the broader community, as instructed in Galatians 6:2?

3. How does Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 to take His yoke upon us provide a solution to the burdens of legalism?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our leadership or influence is characterized by integrity and compassion rather than hypocrisy?

5. How can understanding the difference between law and grace transform our relationship with God and others, as seen in Acts 15:10 and the teachings of Paul?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, contrasting His gentle and light yoke with the heavy burdens imposed by the Pharisees.

Acts 15:10
The early church discusses the burden of the law and the grace of Christ, highlighting the difference between the legalistic demands of the law and the freedom found in Jesus.

Galatians 6:2
Paul encourages believers to bear one another's burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ, which contrasts with the Pharisees' unwillingness to help others with their burdens.
Needless BurdensW.F. Adeney Matthew 23:4
A Proud Title the Sign of Usurped AuthorityM. Pool.Matthew 23:1-7
Best Places At FeastsMatthew 23:1-7
Christ's Reproaches of PhariseesHezekiah Burton.Matthew 23:1-7
Deceptive, Religious ObedienceC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 23:1-7
Evil Ministers Better in Speech than WorksJ. Trapp.Matthew 23:1-7
Ministerial InconsistencyJ. Trapp.Matthew 23:1-7
Origin of PharisaismW. M. Taylor, D. D.Matthew 23:1-7
Pope and Councils not InfallibleM. Pool.Matthew 23:1-7
Selfish Religious PrideBombay TimesMatthew 23:1-7
Worthless CeremoniesSwinnock.Matthew 23:1-7
Ethics of AuthorityJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 23:1-12
Pharisees and SadduceesMarcus Dods Matthew 23:2-33
People
Abel, Barachias, Berechiah, Hen, Jesus, Zachariah, Zacharias, Zechariah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Backs, Bear, Bind, Borne, Burdens, Choose, Cumbrous, Finger, Fingers, Grievous, Heavy, Laws, Lay, Lift, Load, Loads, Men's, Move, Shoulders, Themselves, Tie, Unwilling, Weights, Willing, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 23:4

     4696   yoke
     5152   fingers

Matthew 23:1-4

     2009   Christ, anger of

Matthew 23:1-7

     5514   scribes
     8822   self-justification

Matthew 23:1-32

     8767   hypocrisy

Matthew 23:1-33

     5381   law, letter and spirit
     8749   false teachers

Matthew 23:1-36

     5379   law, Christ's attitude
     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

Matthew 23:2-4

     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching

Matthew 23:2-12

     7759   preachers, qualifications

Matthew 23:2-33

     7464   teachers of the law

Matthew 23:4-15

     7734   leaders, spiritual

Library
The Morality of the Gospel.
Is stating the morality of the Gospel as an argument of its truth, I am willing to admit two points; first, that the teaching of morality was not the primary design of the mission; secondly, that morality, neither in the Gospel, nor in any other book, can be a subject, properly speaking, of discovery. If I were to describe in a very few words the scope of Christianity as a revelation, [49] I should say that it was to influence the conduct of human life, by establishing the proof of a future state
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Christianity Misunderstood by Believers.
Meaning of Christian Doctrine, Understood by a Minority, has Become Completely Incomprehensible for the Majority of Men-- Reason of this to be Found in Misinterpretation of Christianity and Mistaken Conviction of Believers and Unbelievers Alike that they Understand it--The Meaning of Christianity Obscured for Believers by the Church--The First Appearance of Christ's Teaching--Its Essence and Difference from Heathen Religions-- Christianity not Fully Comprehended at the Beginning, Became More and
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

First Attempts on Jerusalem.
Jesus, almost every year, went to Jerusalem for the feast of the passover. The details of these journeys are little known, for the synoptics do not speak of them,[1] and the notes of the fourth Gospel are very confused on this point.[2] It was, it appears, in the year 31, and certainly after the death of John, that the most important of the visits of Jesus to Jerusalem took place. Many of the disciples followed him. Although Jesus attached from that time little value to the pilgrimage, he conformed
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

For which Cause Our Lord Himself Also with his Own Mouth Saith...
4. For which cause our Lord Himself also with His own mouth saith, "Cleanse what are within, and what are without will be clean." [1813] And, also, in another place, when He was refuting the foolish speeches of the Jews, in that they spake evil against His disciples, eating with unwashen hands; "Not what entereth into the mouth," said He, "defileth the man: but what cometh forth out of the mouth, that defileth the man." [1814] Which sentence, if the whole of it be taken of the mouth of the body,
St. Augustine—On Continence

Relation of the Pharisees to the Sadducees and Essenes, and to the Gospel of Christ
On taking a retrospective view of Pharisaism, as we have described it, there is a saying of our Lord which at first sight seems almost unaccountable. Yet it is clear and emphatic. "All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do" (Matt 23:3). But if the early disciples were not to break at once and for ever with the Jewish community, such a direction was absolutely needful. For, though the Pharisees were only "an order," Pharisaism, like modern Ultramontanism, had not only become
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The General Service to a Prophet.
At the Vespers, for O Lord, I have cried, the Stichera, Tone 4. Similar to: Called from above... Thou that hast in the purity of thy mind received the reflex of the God-emitted light and wast the herald of the divine words and seer and divine prophet, thou appearedst as the God-moved mouth of the Spirit, conveying that which was shewn by Him unto thee, O all-honoured (mentioned by name), and declaring unto all the peoples the salvation that was being granted and the Kingdom of Christ; do entreat
Anonymous—The General Menaion

Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his Adherents, in this Respect, in Tyrannically Oppressing and Destroying Souls.
1. The power of the Church in enacting laws. This made a source of human traditions. Impiety of these traditions. 2. Many of the Papistical traditions not only difficult, but impossible to be observed. 3. That the question may be more conveniently explained, nature of conscience must be defined. 4. Definition of conscience explained. Examples in illustration of the definition. 5. Paul's doctrine of submission to magistrates for conscience sake, gives no countenance to the Popish doctrine of the obligation
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Hints to Teachers and Questions for Pupils
Teacher's Apparatus.--English theology has no juster cause for pride than the books it has produced on the Life of Paul. Perhaps there is no other subject in which it has so outdistanced all rivals. Conybeare and Howson's Life and Epistles of St. Paul will probably always keep the foremost place; in many respects it is nearly perfect; and a teacher who has mastered it will be sufficiently equipped for his work and require no other help. The works of Lewin and Farrar are written on the same lines;
James Stalker et al—The Life of St. Paul

On Attending the Church Service
"The sin of the young men was very great." 1 Sam. 2:17. 1. The corruption, not only of the heathen world, but likewise of them that were called Christians, has been matter of sorrow and lamentation to pious men, almost from the time of the apostles. And hence, as early as the second century, within a hundred years of St. John's removal from the earth, men who were afraid of being partakers of other men's sins, thought it their duty to separate from them. Hence, in every age many have retired from
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Machinations of the Enemies of Jesus.
Jesus passed the autumn and a part of the winter at Jerusalem. This season is there rather cold. The portico of Solomon, with its covered aisles, was the place where he habitually walked.[1] This portico consisted of two galleries, formed by three rows of columns, and covered by a ceiling of carved wood.[2] It commanded the valley of Kedron, which was doubtless less covered with debris than it is at the present time. The depth of the ravine could not be measured, from the height of the portico; and
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Early Ministry in Judea
113. We owe to the fourth gospel our knowledge of the fact that Jesus began his general ministry in Jerusalem. The silence of the other records concerning this beginning cannot discredit the testimony of John. For these other records themselves indicate in various ways that Jesus had repeatedly sought to win Jerusalem before his final visit at the end of his life (compare Luke xiii. 34; Matt. xxiii. 37). Moreover, the fourth gospel is confirmed by the probability, rising almost to necessity, that
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

The Crossing of the Jordan
THE CROSSING OF THE JORDAN Just how did you feel at the time you were sanctified? I have heard some tell of how the holy fire of the Spirit seemed to go all through them. Others have told of a deeper, more complete peace. Some have shouted for joy. Others have wept for joy. And I am wondering how one ought to feel. Can you tell me? And how can I know that I am consecrated? Every teacher of entire sanctification that I ever heard says that the consecration must be complete; but how am I to know when
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Letter Xliv Concerning the Maccabees but to whom Written is Unknown.
Concerning the Maccabees But to Whom Written is Unknown. [69] He relies to the question why the Church has decreed a festival to the Maccabees alone of all the righteous under the ancient law. 1. Fulk, Abbot of Epernay, had already written to ask me the same question as your charity has addressed to your humble servant by Brother Hescelin. I have put off replying to him, being desirous to find, if possible, some statement in the Fathers about this which was asked, which I might send to him, rather
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Number and Order of the Separate Books.
The number of the books was variously estimated. Josephus gives twenty-two, which was the usual number among Christian writers in the second, third, and fourth centuries, having been derived perhaps from the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Origen, Jerome, and others have it. It continued longest among the teachers of the Greek Church, and is even in Nicephorus's stichometry.(83) The enumeration in question has Ruth with Judges, and Lamentations with Jeremiah. In Epiphanius(84) the number twenty-seven
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible

Elucidations.
I. (Who first propounded these heresies, p. 11.) Hippolytus seems to me to have felt the perils to the pure Gospel of many admissions made by Clement and other Alexandrian doctors as to the merits of some of the philosophers of the Gentiles. Very gently, but with prescient genius, he adopts this plan of tracing the origin and all the force of heresies to "philosophy falsely so called." The existence of this "cloud of locusts" is (1) evidence of the antagonism of Satan; (2) of the prophetic spirit
Hippolytus.—The Refutation of All Heresies

"The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. So Then they that Are
Rom. viii. s 7, 8.--"The carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is not the least of man's evils, that he knows not how evil he is, therefore the Searcher of the heart of man gives the most perfect account of it, Jer. xvii. 12. "The heart is deceitful above all things," as well as "desperately wicked," two things superlative and excessive in it, bordering upon an infiniteness, such
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

We are not Binding Heavy Burdens and Laying them Upon Your Shoulders...
37. We are not binding heavy burdens and laying them upon your shoulders, while we with a finger will not touch them. Seek out, and acknowledge the labor of our occupations, and in some of us the infirmities of our bodies also, and in the Churches which we serve, that custom now grown up, that they do not suffer us to have time ourselves for those works to which we exhort you. For though we might say, "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Repentance and Impenitence.
In the discussion of this subject I shall show,-- I. What repentance is not. 1. The Bible everywhere represents repentance as a virtue, and as constituting a change of moral character; consequently, it cannot be a phenomenon of the intelligence: that is, it cannot consist in conviction of sin, nor in any intellectual apprehension of our guilt or ill-desert. All the states or phenomena of the intelligence are purely passive states of mind, and of course moral character, strictly speaking, cannot be
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
Text: 1 John 3, 13-18. 13 Marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

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