Matthew 23:35

That vpon you may come all the righteous blood shed vpon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, vnto the blood of Zacharias, sonne of Barachias, whom yee slew betweene the temple and the altar. Matthew 23:35 (KJV)

Context: This verse is part of a larger passage known as the “Seven Woes” in which Jesus delivers a series of rebukes and warnings to the scribes and Pharisees, who were the religious leaders of his time. In this particular verse, Jesus is condemning the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and their role in persecuting and killing the prophets and righteous individuals throughout history. Let’s examine this verse in more detail and explore its significance within the context of the chapter and the Bible as a whole.

The Reference to Abel: Jesus begins by referring to Abel, who was the son of Adam and Eve. Abel was a righteous man who offered a pleasing sacrifice to God, but he was murdered by his brother Cain out of jealousy (Genesis 4:8). By mentioning Abel, Jesus is highlighting the fact that innocent blood has been shed on the earth throughout history due to the actions of wicked individuals.

The Reference to Zacharias: The mention of Zacharias son of Barachias is less clear and has led to some debate among scholars. It is possible that this refers to the prophet Zechariah, who was stoned to death in the temple court (2 Chronicles 24:20‑22). However, it’s important to note that the Zechariah mentioned in 2 Chronicles is the son of Jehoiada, not Barachias. There is no biblical account of a prophet named Zacharias son of Barachias being martyred.

The Symbolic Meaning: Beyond the specific individuals mentioned, Jesus is making a broader point. He is holding the scribes and Pharisees accountable for the bloodshed of the righteous individuals that has taken place from the beginning of history until that time. Jesus is condemning the religious leaders for perpetuating a pattern of rejecting and persecuting God’s messengers.

Condemnation of the Scribes and Pharisees: Throughout Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of harsh criticisms against the scribes and Pharisees, exposing their hypocrisy, pride, and neglect of justice and mercy. In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that the scribes and Pharisees bear responsibility for the continuation of violence against God’s messengers and righteous people.

Overall, Matthew 23:35 serves as a strong indictment against the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, highlighting their role in perpetuating the mistreatment and violence against those who sought to faithfully serve God. It reminds us of the importance of justice, righteousness, and mercy in our own lives and warns against falling into the same patterns of hypocrisy and persecution.