The Patience of God | Oshkosh | October 12, 2025

This sermon on Matthew 23:13–39 exposes Jesus’ fierce rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees while ultimately revealing the patience and mercy of God, warning believers against hypocrisy, pride, and legalism that block people from the Kingdom rather than leading them into it. Through a series of “woes,” Jesus confronts religious leaders who burden others with rules, focus on outward appearance over inward transformation, major on minor issues while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, and condemn sins they themselves commit—showing that spiritual performance without humility leads to spiritual death. The message challenges listeners to examine their own hearts: whether they lead others to Christ or away from Him, live authentically across all areas of life, and remember the depth of forgiveness they themselves have received. In contrast to judgmental religion, Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem reveals a Savior who longs to gather His people, offering grace, repentance, and life to all. The antidote to becoming Pharisaical is a humble, grateful heart that continually remembers salvation is by grace alone, resulting in genuine love for God and others and a life that reflects Christ rather than merely appearing religious.