Blessings and Woes are opposites that are regularly present in the scriptures. From the Old Testament historical books to the wisdom literature and prophets, we see God speaking directly to the patriarchs and kings and peoples of either blessings or woes.

Blessing indicates a state of happiness or human flourishing and is often associated with a new beginning. Woes express sorrow or pity, usually from God toward his failed people, often as a judgment of an individual or community. A woe, like a blessing, can also have connections to a new beginning or an end. Blessings and Woes in the Scriptures all point to either the welcomed entry into or the refusal from the Kingdom of Heaven.

Following his charge in Matthew 23:3 concerning the scribes and Pharisees; “practice and observe whatever they tell you – but not what they do. For they preach but do not practice” Jesus begins in verse thirteen to lay out a series of judgments and woes that showcase the guilty actions of these Pharisees.

Many newer English translations do not include the woe against the mistreatment of widows in favor of public honor found in verse fourteen. The ESV and NIV do not have verse fourteen. The KJV and NASB do include another woe in verse fourteen.

As such, let us read the NASB version of Matthew 23:13 & 14. A copy of these verses is included in your bulletin today for your reference. This is the beginning of Jesus's ‘Sermon of Seven Woes’