The scribes and Pharisees built great sepulchers for the martyrs and the prophets who were killed for the sake of their testimony, that, by their good deeds, they might escape from the punishment to come. Their ancestors had killed those faithful ministers, so the descendants of the killers sought to cover the shame and crimes of their kindred by erecting grand buildings. Christ was not impressed with their efforts and called them "the sons of those who murdered the prophets." With His condemning words, Christ shook the ungodly hypocrites that they might repent and turn to Him. But they followed the wickedness of their fathers and killed Jesus, too, and God's judgment will fall on them.
In his holy wrath, the Lord Jesus called these self-righteous, "serpents and vipers." They were the seed of the old serpent, Satan, filled with deception, malice, and poison. Jesus warned them of the awful consequence of their failure to repent and turn to Him.
We thank Jesus, for thousands in the Old Testament heard his call, repented, and were regenerated by the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. The testimony and prayers of His apostles revive us and fill us with hope, for Christ overcame in them the spirit of the old serpent. They became springs of living water filled with purity, truth, and love. The church was built on the foundation of Christ and the Apostle's faithful ministry.
Christ brings down His woes first upon those who have received a divine call, warning them about imperfect love and indifference in faith. Woe to us, Christians, if we do not repent sincerely, and serve the holy Jesus, that His life can dwell in us and lead us in humbleness, kindness, and faith.