In this passage Jesus declares three woe's on those in leadership in the visible church of His day. He warns those leaders who subvert God's Word to their benefit, to society's benefit and the harm of the covenant people. A godly teacher of the law is a blessed thing but the pen of a lying teacher leads to destruction

The Lord is the strength of His people, says this Psalm of Ascents. In today's culture we see this Psalm's themes all around. The scepter of unrighteousness-the forces of the world that call loudly for the church to walk on crooked paths, to conform and compromise-attempt to influence and rule over God's people. We must stand in the way of righteousness calling on the Lord to do good to those who are good. --Pray for the church, for God's people, who struggle under the scepter of unrighteousness, who seek to destroy the church. Pray for the church to stand strong in faith, to know that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken to destruction. Pray that the Lord will remind His people that the scepter of wickedness will not remain or rest on God's people. Peace to Israel, to those who are upright in heart.

Invited to a Pharisee's home for dinner, Christ confronts religious forces that seek to make society better but only address outer action. Christ explains the vital importance of inner conversion and transformation and its connection to outer actions.