44
Alas for you! for you are like the tombs which lie hidden, and the people who walk over them are not aware of their existence."
45
Hereupon one of the expounders of the Law exclaimed, "Rabbi, in saying such things you reproach us also."
46
"Alas too for you expounders of the Law!" replied Jesus, "for you load men with cumbrous burdens which you yourselves will not touch with one of your fingers.
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Alas for you! for you repair the tombs of the Prophets, whom your forefathers killed.
48
It follows that you bear testimony to the actions of your forefathers and that you fully approve thereof. They slew, you build.
49
"For this reason also the Wisdom of God has said, `I will send Prophets and Apostles to them, of whom they will kill some and persecute others,'
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so that the blood of all the Prophets, that is being shed from the creation of the world onwards, may be required from the present generation.
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Yes, I tell you that, from the blood of Abel down to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the House, it shall all be required from the present generation.
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"Alas for you expounders of the Law! for you have taken away the key of knowledge: you yourselves have not entered, and those who wanted to enter you have hindered."
53
After He had left the house, the Scribes and Pharisees commenced a vehement attempt to entangle Him and make Him give off-hand answers on numerous points,
54
lying in wait to catch some unguarded expression from His lips.