Woe is usually a condition or a warning that troubles are imminent. In one small word Jesus describes the path of the scribes and Pharisees as dangerous at best.

These leaders were guilty of exalting self, of wanting to look good in public, and be called by names such as Rabbi. They would say, and impose heavy burdens, yet they would not act as they directed. They did not walk their talk.

Jesus bluntly tells them to get off their “high horse” for they have one master, Christ, and one Father, God in heaven above. And Jesus tells them, that as leaders, they are to be the servant of all, meaning also their brethren. They are to humble themselves before Christ, God and the people they serve, for only then can they hope to be exalted.

Sadly Jesus mourns Jerusalem because the scribes and Pharisees, would not listen to their Master Christ, nor their Father, God. Equally worse was their leading the people down their wrong paths.

Leaders today need to understand that good leaders are not guilty of the warnings of Jesus. Good leaders have learned that what Jesus taught makes a good leader.