Luke 20:46Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Since He commissioned His disciples to be instructors throughout the world, He appropriately admonishes them not to emulate the Pharisees in their desire for recognition, their pursuit of prominence, or their general inclination towards worldly matters and human approval. It is characteristic of those who seek to flatter others they encounter and crave a favorable perception of themselves, often using it as a method of financial gain, to be highly attentive to greetings in public places.

Be cautious of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees; do not be led astray by their shortcomings or share in their disregard for God. How did they behave? They paraded through the streets in extravagant attire, exuding a grandiose demeanor to gain the admiration of those around them.

In the previous chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, consider the interpretation regarding the location: ‘They enlarge their storehouses, and increase the folds of their garments,’ and so forth. Within this passage, you will discover a full explanation of these matters.

Notes: * Matthew 23:5-7

Following these events, the Lord departed from the temple, issuing a grave condemnation towards the Pharisees and the priests, who bore the blame for the moral degradation of the people, along with dire warnings of impending divine judgment. Concluding His earthly mission, He declared that He would persist in His ministry among them through His servants; however, the Pharisees would also persecute these messengers, just as they had done with previous heralds of the truth. In doing so, they would exacerbate the sins of their ancestors, ultimately leading to the revelation of God's judgment upon the unrighteousness of Jerusalem.

In the condemnation of the Pharisees, which is presented by the Evangelist Matthew (with Mark and Luke providing only select excerpts), Jesus Christ begins by cautioning and advising his disciples (2-12). Following this, he addresses the Pharisees and scribes with a more severe tone (13-36). The discourse also extends to the Jewish populace (34-36) and concludes with a tone of lament and sorrow directed towards Jerusalem (37-39). For further insights, refer to the comprehensive analysis of Matthew chapter 23.

The adversaries of Christ had been thoroughly overcome in the nation, although they concealed their resentment for a time. However, they had yet to confront Jesus as He directly condemned their profound moral corruption, which disqualified them from rightful leadership over the people. Any adherence they show to the law and traditions is merely superficial, performed in the presence of others; even then, their actions aim solely to set themselves apart from the masses in appearance. They unnecessarily enlarge the phylacteries they wear, referencing the law, as a façade of their zeal for its observance, even though they stand as the foremost transgressors of it. Additionally, they extend their fringes, the tassels mandated by Moses (Num.

Following these events, it became evident to everyone that there was a profound divide between the ruling authorities among the Jewish people and Christ. With the Pharisees and scribes showing an unwavering resolve to eliminate Christ at any cost, a tolerant approach towards them was no longer feasible. It was essential for the Savior to publicly denounce them, and He did so in His final and significant address. Surrounded by a familiar crowd that included both scribes and Pharisees, the Savior specifically targeted the latter group, delivering a message of condemnation that could only reach those who had long ceased to be sensitive to their conscience.

After addressing the Pharisees and silencing their objections, He perceived that His adversaries were afflicted with an irreparable malady. He understood their hidden motives and sly ambitions, and as His earthly journey approached its conclusion, He delivered a sermon condemning the faults of the scribes and Pharisees, who cloaked their corruptions in false piety. The dire warnings, which these spiritually blind leaders had already received from Him (Luke 11:42-44, 47-51; 13:34-35), He reiterated with renewed vigor, no longer expecting repentance from the unyielding, but aiming to safeguard the people from falling into the same depravity as they did, as noted by St. John Chrysostom.