Matthew 23:32

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

فَأكمِلُوا ما ابتَدَأ بِهِ أجدادُكُمْ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse is Jesus speaking to the Pharisees and scribes, telling them they are following in their ancestors' footsteps by continuing their sinful ways. He warns them that if they continue, they will fill up the measure of guilt like those who killed prophets before them.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where every time someone does something naughty, they add a drop to a bucket. Jesus is telling some people that if they keep being mean and doing bad things, just like their great-grandparents did, the bucket will be full of naughty drops!

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this Gospel around 80-90 AD for Jewish Christians. It was written in Greek to show how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. The audience would have understood the references to prophets being persecuted by their ancestors.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, think of a workplace where employees have been mistreating each other for years. If new hires continue this bad behavior without changing it, they fill up the company's 'bucket' of guilt and eventually face serious consequences.

Topics

• judgment
• sin
• prophets
• ancestors
• guilt
• warnings

Related Verses

• Genesis 15:16
• Deuteronomy 32:5
• Psalm 78:9-10
• Matthew 23:34
• Luke 11:47

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jesus addressing when he says this verse?

Jesus is speaking directly to the Pharisees and scribes, who were religious leaders in his time. He's warning them about their actions.

What does it mean to 'fill up the measure' of guilt?

It means accumulating a full amount of wrongdoing or sin, similar to how a bucket fills with water until it is completely full.

How can we avoid filling our own 'measure' in modern life?

By being aware of our actions and their consequences, making efforts to do good instead of evil, and learning from past mistakes rather than repeating them.

Why did Jesus refer to the ancestors of the Pharisees?

Jesus wanted to highlight that the Pharisees were continuing a long-standing tradition of rejecting God's messages through prophets, which was ultimately harmful.