Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 23:1-3

"Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat: all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, [these] do and observe: but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not." — Matthew 23:1-3 (ASV)

Then Jesus spoke to the multitude. The King began His final address to the people. He was soon to withdraw Himself from them, but first He would put them on their guard against their false teachers. They had heard what He had said to the scribes and Pharisees; now they would hear what He said of them.

And to His disciples. According to Luke, Jesus spoke to His disciples in the audience of all the people. His theme was one that concerned the whole population as well as His own disciples. He knew that He would shortly be taken away from them; therefore, He warned them against those who would seek their ruin, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do.

It was the duty of Moses to expound to the people the Law of God. The scribes and Pharisees occupied his place, but alas, the Spirit that guided him was not in them. They spoke as from the chair of Moses, ex cathedra, as we say, and as far as they really filled his seat and followed his sayings, their words were to be obeyed. Our Savior could not have intended the people to heed their false comments and foolish interpretations of the Law of Moses, for He had already declared that by their traditions they had transgressed the commandment of God and made it of no effect.

At this time, however, our Lord was speaking of another grievous fault in the scribes and Pharisees, namely, that they said one thing and did another, But do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. Sad indeed is the state of that religious teacher of whom the Searcher of hearts has to say, “Do as he says, and not as he does.” Many such are with us still, preaching one thing and practicing another. May the Lord preserve the people from following their evil example!