Sermons on Matthew 23:16-18:

Build-A-Bear Jesus

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on May 18, 2019

We were created in the image of God. Now many are trying to create God into an image that is comfortable for us.

Build-A-Bear Jesus Please stand as we read our newest memory Scripture together … 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30, Luke 19:10, Genesis 1:26-27, John 2:15, Matthew 23:16-36, Matthew 11:20-24, John 3:16, Matthew 25:41, Romans 5:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

Tough Love

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 1, 2020

A warning not only for Israel then, but for the church now. The long-suffering of God.

TOUGH LOVE. Matthew 23:13-39. 1. Jesus spares not to warn those who are on the path to “the damnation of hell” (Matthew 23:33), using such expressions as “woe unto you” (eight times), “hypocrites” (seven times), “blind guides” or “fools and blind” (five times), “ye serpents, (ye) generation of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:13-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Hypocrisy Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Aug 5, 2022

If Christians really love Jesus, why is there so much hurt in the church? Jesus confronted the hypocrisy of religious people and desires that his disciples walk in love.

INTRODUCTION • In our new series, Hot Topics, we will dig into six tough topics that people inside and outside the church often think about (even if we don't ask about them out loud!): • If Christians love Jesus, why is there so much hypocrisy in the church? • How can we trust the Bible? ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Which Shepherd Are You Choosing? (Pt. 2) Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 19, 2022

This exposition of Zechariah 11:7-17 examines Zechariah's prediction of Christ's rejection at his First Advent and the consequences of that rejection. The timeless truth taught is: when the leadership God sends is rejected, the judgment that follows is bad leadership.

Intro We concluded last week with God instructing Zechariah to take on the role of a shepherd. Follow with me as we read Zechariah 11:4. “This is what the Lord my God says: ‘Shepherd the flock marked for slaughter.”i That is the assignment God gives Zechariah. He is to represent the Lord as a good ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 11:1-17, Matthew 15:14-15, John 1:1-11, Matthew 23:1-39, Matthew 26:14-16, Matthew 27:1-10, Revelation 19:20, John 11:1-48, Galatians 5:15-23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

What Jesus’ Grief Over Jerusalem Reveals Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Mar 30, 2023

The reasons for grief are many, such as the loss of a loved one, the loss of health, or the letting go of a long-held dream. Dealing with a significant loss can be one of the most difficult times in a person's life. Jesus sees God’s dream for Jerusalem slipping away.

Sermon: What Jesus’ Grief over Jerusalem Reveals Matthew 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now, look, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-36, Matthew 23:37-39, Acts 7:51-53, Proverbs 29:1-2

Denomination: Methodist

Living In The Kingdom 10 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jan 20, 2022

In Part 10 of this series we examine what Jesus said about making an oath. In this message we see that as a Christian our word should be our bond - it should be proof enough of our intention or past actions. We should never have to make an oath to ensure someone believes what we are saying.

Living in the Kingdom 10 Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37; 23:16-18; Leviticus 19:12; Exodus 20:7 As I have been studying, meditating and preparing these messages based on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, I have been reflecting on conversations that I have had with people about the Bible and its ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37, Matthew 23:16-18, Leviticus 19:12, Exodus 20:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Religion Vs. Relationship

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 9, 2022

This message contrasts religion and relationship, showing that religion is not to be desired. However, a relationship with Jesus is to be highly treasured. Why? Religion brings about death, but relationship brings about life.

Whenever you hear of the word “religion,” what comes to mind? Perhaps attending a church service, someone worshipping a Buddha statue, a baptismal service, someone reciting a chant or prayer, someone fasting, people praying to the east every hour, someone making an animal sacrifice, or someone ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

Transformation And Multiplication Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Apr 11, 2022

The ultimate result of Jesus Driven Discipleship is Transformation and Multiplication

April 09, 2022 A disciple is more than one who acquires information from someone who is smarter or more knowledgeable than they. There is the idea of relationship/community/intimacy. A disciple “adheres to” - holds fast to, clings to, bonds to, is attached to, is faithful to - the teacher. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:14, Matthew 4:18-22, Matthew 9:10, Matthew 15:32, Matthew 23:13-39, Acts 4:13, Matthew 19:27, Acts 1:8, James 1:1, 1 Peter 1:1-2, 1 John 1:1-3, John 6:67-69, Matthew 5:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

How To Avoid The Worst Woes In Life - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jan 28, 2023

1. Don’t keep people from God’s Kingdom. Help them go in! (vs. 13). 2. Don’t be greedy. Be generous! (vs. 14). 3. Don’t make people worse. Make them better! (vs. 15). 4. Don’t treasure gold. Treasure the things of God. (vs. 16-22). 5. Don’t be satisfied with less. Strive for God’s best. (vs. 23-24).

How to Avoid the Worst Woes in Life - Part 1 The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 23:13-24 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared January 28, 2023) MESSAGE: *In this chapter you will hear the strongest words of condemnation Jesus ever spoke during His ministry here on earth. Eight times Jesus called these ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:13-24

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon # 40 - Mercy Instead Of Judgement Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jan 10, 2025

Jonah freely accepted God’s mercy but wanted God’s judgement to be given the people of Nineveh. God’s word reminds us that it is not our prerogative to judge others, but rather to be merciful to them, just as God is merciful to us.

We read in Jonah 4:4, “Then the LORD said, "Do you think it is right for you to be angry?" (ERV) The God who created heaven and the earth asked Jonah the prophet, if he thought it was right to be angry with Him, very much like a parent would enquire of their child, who is upset with ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:4, 2 Peter 3:9, Psalm 103:1-2, Luke 7:36, Matthew 23:13-36, Luke 7:37-38, Luke 7:40-46, Luke 7:1-3, Matthew 5:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Rebuking And Correcting Sins Of Others Is Not Hatred Nor Self-Righteous. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 9, 2025

In this sermon, we'll explore biblical examples of loving rebuke, demonstrating that correcting others is not about hatred or self-righteousness, but about restoring and edifying the body of Christ.

Rebuking and correcting the sins of others is often misunderstood as an act of hatred or self-righteousness. However, the Bible teaches that correcting other is a necessary aspect of loving and caring for them and a mark of true care and concern. As Christians, we are called to love one another, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-14, Matthew 23:1-36, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

What Is This World Coming To?

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Jun 15, 2023

All of us at one point and time have asked this same question, "What is this world coming to?" What IS this world coming to? Join me and find out what just may shock you as being the answer to that question.

All of us at one point and time have asked this same question, "What is this world coming to?" What IS this world coming to? What is REALLY going on out there today? Every day, we hear about unspeakable violence happening in our schools, our shopping malls, department stores and even ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 9:17-20, Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Pentecostal

Bad Religion SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Oct 24, 2023

An exposition on Matthew 23:1-25. Christianity is not about making converts to dogma but making converts to love.

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. As we gather here today, we find ourselves on the precipice of a journey, a journey that will take us through the winding roads of faith, the valleys of doubt, and the mountains of revelation. We are here to embark on a pilgrimage through the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-25

Topics: Toxic Religion

A Covenant Community Communicates Clearly Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 30, 2024

As James closes his letter to exiles, he concludes with instructions on three different topics - communication (oaths), prayer, and care. This sermon looks at the first of those in the context of a covenant community.

In the run up to the 1988 Presidential Election, Vice President George H.W. Bush famously said “Read my lips: no new taxes.” He was running on a platform of consistency. He sought to take the policies and success of the Reagan years into a new term. He, in essence, swore an oath, made a promise ...read more

Scripture: James 5:12, Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:25, Matthew 5:34-37, Matthew 23:16-22, Matthew 19:22, Zechariah 8:14-17, Psalm 32:3-4, 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Glorious Servant Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 17, 2024

Jesus came to speak—listen to Him. Jesus came to suffer—trust Him. Jesus came to save—tell the world. And Jesus came to rule--bow before Him for that’s what true success is all about.

Several years ago, the Tokyo Times carried a report about a 19-year-old man who was desperate to get to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. So he hopped a bus and demanded that the driver take him there. He was hijacking the bus, but few of the passengers were concerned. For one thing, the hijacker wasn’t ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-7, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 23:15-33, John 6:66-68, Hebrews 4:12, Acts 3:13-18, 1 Peter 2:23, Acts 3:19-21, Romans 11:15, Acts 13:46-47, Philippians 2:5-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free