To whom Jesus speaks

Matthew 23

The Lord Jesus speaks to:
1. the crowds/disciples, vv. 1-12
2. the Pharisees, vv. 13-36
3. Jerusalem, vv. 37-39

We do not need to use this to source critically or form critically divide this united chapter. Our Lord Jesus is well able to speak to these groups, all of whom we find in our congregations, communities today.

1. To the crowds/disciples, vv. 1-12
There is a strong warning against the pride displayed by those who think they know how to live better than God's word teaches us. We need not only know God's word, teach God's word, but we must live God's word.
Humility is learned by reflecting upon our being sinners in need of a Saviour, by submitting ourselves to God's opinion of us - dead in our tresspasses and sins. Such humility should teach us the obedience of faith.

2. To the Pharisees, vv. 13-36
A perfection of condemnation, seven woes!
The central focus of this chiastic structure is vv. 23-24. The Pharisees are good at performing the externals of religion, the externals of God's commands while ignoring what God's commands aim at. It is better to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with God than to measure out your tithe.
We must be genuine with God, serious about his word. It is not enough to know the word, it must change us deep inside.

3. To Jerusalem, vv. 37-39
God has been gracious and will be gracious again. Jesus is the Saviour, the Lord who is to be trusted in all he teaches of God and his Kingdom. Let Jesus be Jesus: Immanuel - God with us, Jesus - who will save his people from their sins.

That God speaks to us is grace.
What God speaks to us is grace. Even when it is a warning, it is aimed at our salvation and the blessing of the world.