(Matt. 23:34-36)

 

Christ, seeing clearly that these religious leaders , in spite of their pretences, still had the spirit of  their fathers, asserted  that they were the same with them, and would naturally do as they did (Matt. 23:29-33; Jn. 8:37-44). Thus, He prophesied that similar prophets and righteous men would be sent to them, whom they would surely scourge, crucify, kill and persecute from city to city, and consequently incur sever wrath upon themselves (Matt. 23:34-36).

 

As it is natural for the progenitors= seed to be found in their posterity, so also is the fruit (inclinations/manifestations in life) (cp. Gen. 5:3; Matt. 7:16). That was what informed Jesus= conclusion that they would surely fulfill the measure of their fathers. And they actually did (cp. Matt. 27:19-23,31-35; Acts 7:54-60; 8:1-4; 12:1-4).

 

Those who really want to be dissociated from the evils of their progenitors and consequently be excluded from the attendant punishment, must take definite steps to be delivered from their (progenitors=) spirit, by obviously and heartily denouncing  those evil ways. They must go on to be completely renewed in their mind (Ps. 58:3; Ezk. 18:14-17; Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:22-24).