Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 23:4

"Yea, they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men`s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger." — Matthew 23:4 (ASV)

The contrast between the true Teacher and the false ones is clearly brought out by this verse, They bind heavy burdens to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders (Matthew 23:4). Their regulations regarding moral and ceremonial observances were like huge bundles or crushing burdens bound together and made into a weight intolerable for anyone to carry. Many of these rules by themselves were grievous enough, but all together they formed a yoke that neither the people nor their fathers could bear.

The scribes and Pharisees piled the great load upon them, but neither helped them to sustain it, nor offered to relieve them of any portion of it, they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers (Matthew 23:4). How different was Christ’s teaching: Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest! (Matthew 11:28). Taking their burdens of sin and sorrow and care upon His own shoulders, He exchanges them for His easy yoke, which itself gives rest to all who wear it.