In Ezekiel 24, the LORD tells Ezekiel to use a cooking pot as an example of what the LORD is going to do to the people of Jerusalem. Ezekiel is to cook random pieces of sheep meat in a pot, and to take them out at random. He is to burn the bones, and ultimately to heat the pot itself red hot on the fire, but nothing will take away the sin of the people, and the LORD is the fire that will destroy the people. Then the LORD told Ezekiel his wife was going to die, but he was not to mourn for her, but only groan inwardly. This happened the next night. When the people asked the significance of this, Ezekiel was to tell them they were to mourn in the same way when they were carried off into exile.
In Ezekiel 25, the LORD pronounces judgment agains Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. Each in their turn had laughed at Judah’s destruction, and exile. Therefore, the LORD was going to cause each of them to suffer humiliation and destruction.
Ezekiel 26 records the LORD judgment against Tyre. In extensive detail the LORD tells Tyre that it will be torn apart, and the nations around it will mourn the loss. Tyre’s sins in addition to their idolatry included laughing at Judah’s destruction. The LORD planned to use King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon as His arm of judgment against Tyre, as he used him against Judah and so many other nations.
As we return to Matthew 23, we find Jesus pronouncing seven “woes” against the Pharisees. This is a serious matter, as the Greek word recorded is “ouai” which literally means “damn you.” Jesus spoke of many of the religious rituals and actions the Pharisees carried out, and condemned them for them. He tells His listeners they will eventually be turned over to rulers and authorities by the religious leaders, as they continue to serve Him. Jesus makes it clear that He is our Lord and leader, and that we aren’t to use titles such as teacher or father to lord over others, because He is our teacher and God is our heavenly Father. He reminds us the life of following Him is a life of humility. The chapter is a difficult one to read because it reminds us how important it is not to turn our life as Jesus’ followers into a religion, but always keep our relationship with Him as the priority.