Matthew 23

Jesus warns the crowds against the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who load others with burdens they will not lift and love the place of honor. He pronounces seven woes upon them for their outward show, their blindness, and their persecution of the prophets, calling them “whitewashed tombs.” Then, in grief, He laments over Jerusalem: “How often would I have gathered your children together... and you would not!”