Matthew 23:3 “So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”

Jesus’ critique here was aimed at the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees…showing the distinction between their God-given authority but the failure of their personal conduct. In Luke 20:45-47, Jesus warns of their hypocrisy, pride, and exploitation of the vulnerable…a behavior that demonstrates a “double sin” of abusing the powerless while using religious acts as a facade for personal gain. He cautions His disciples to be alert to superficial religiousness, love of popular acclaim, and readiness to exploit…for it does not align with God’s Word.