“Mbusim be yinim’ Naawuni zaligubaŋdiba mini Farisiinim’ bɛn nyɛ bilikɔɣinim’ ŋɔ zuɣu! Dama yi kaari gindi teeku, ka dari gindi duli tiŋgbana mi ni yi kul nya ninvuɣ’ yino ŋun ni saɣi doli yi daadiini soli, ka yi yi ti nya so ka o dol’ li, yi chɛ ka o leela buɣim bia buyi zuɣu gari yimaŋmaŋ’ ni nyɛ buɣim bihi shɛm.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from Matthew's Gospel, Jesus is speaking to the scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites for their efforts in converting others to Judaism but leading these new converts into worse behaviors than themselves.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game where you have to get your friends to join. But once they do, instead of helping them play better, you make it so that they end up losing even more. Jesus is saying the scribes and Pharisees are doing something like this with their religion.
Historical Background
This verse is from the Gospel written by Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples. It was likely written in the late first century for a primarily Jewish-Christian audience. The context reflects tensions between Jesus' teachings and the religious leaders of his time who were strict followers of the law.
Living It Out Today
Today, this can apply to when people join groups or movements that seem positive but end up pushing them towards more extreme behaviors than their original intentions. It's a reminder to be careful about the influence we have on others.
The scribes were Jewish legal experts who interpreted the law, while the Pharisees were a group that emphasized strict adherence to both written and oral laws. They often opposed Jesus' teachings.
What does 'child of hell' mean in this context?
This phrase refers to people whose behavior is so harmful it leads them towards spiritual destruction, indicating severe moral corruption or damnation.
Why did Jesus use the term 'hypocrites' for the scribes and Pharisees?
Jesus called them hypocrites because they showed one face publicly but behaved differently privately, failing to practice what they preached.
How can we avoid leading others into worse behaviors in our faith?
By ensuring that any teaching or influence is rooted in love, compassion, and genuine spiritual growth rather than rules alone. It’s important to lead by example with integrity.