This page gives you Matthew 23 Bible study questions for a small group, a Sunday class or your own quiet time. Jesus speaks to the crowds and his disciples about religious leaders who say one thing and live another, then pronounces a series of woes and closes with a lament over Jerusalem. The questions move from what the text says, to what it means, to how you might live it.
Matthew 23 at a Glance
The chapter opens with Jesus telling the crowd to follow the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees while refusing their behavior. He then warns his disciples against seeking titles and status, and reminds them that greatness in the kingdom looks like service. The heart of the chapter is a repeated sequence of seven woes, each naming a specific failure: burdening people, clean outsides with corrupt insides, neglecting justice and mercy, and honoring the dead prophets while plotting against the living.
The chapter ends on a tender note. Jesus grieves over Jerusalem, longing to gather its people as a hen gathers her chicks, and announces that the house will be left desolate until the people welcome the one who comes in the Lord’s name.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to point to the words on the page, and encourage short answers that stay close to the text. Let silence sit for a moment so quieter members can join in.
Matthew 23:3
All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do.
(WEB)
This verse sets the tone for the whole chapter by separating teaching from practice. Read it early so the group understands that Jesus is not dismissing the law, but calling for integrity between words and actions.
Matthew 23:11-12
11 But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
(WEB)
These verses state the kingdom principle of greatness through service and humility. Reading them aloud helps the group hear the reversal Jesus teaches, which often challenges common assumptions about success.
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.
(WEB)
This verse names the weightier matters of justice, mercy and faith. Reading it helps the group weigh their own priorities and see that careful observance and neglected compassion can exist side by side.
Matthew 23:27-28
27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
(WEB)
The whitewashed tombs image is vivid and memorable. Reading it aloud invites the group to reflect on the difference between outward appearance and inward heart, and to consider where that gap might appear in their own lives.
Matthew 23:37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not!
(WEB)
This verse brings the chapter to its emotional center, showing Jesus’ longing to gather people under his care. Read it slowly so the group hears the tenderness beneath the sharp warnings that come before it.
Memory Verse for Matthew 23
Matthew 23:12
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
(WEB)
This verse summarizes the chapter’s teaching on humility and exaltation in a single sentence. It is short enough to memorize and gives a clear rule to carry into daily decisions about pride and service.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before you aware that it is easy to speak of your truth while living in ways that do not reflect it. Search our hearts and show us where appearance has taken the place of sincerity. Teach us to serve rather than seek recognition, and to practice justice, mercy and faithfulness in the everyday places where we live. Thank you that you long to gather us under your wings, even when we are slow to come. Help us to answer that invitation with open hearts. Amen.
