Hypocrites!

For Sunday, November 23, 2024:

Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus speaking: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

This kind of talk – directly criticizing the Pharisees in public – got Jesus in a lot of trouble which eventually led to his death. But looking back on the situation, Jesus was the one who was right! The Synagogues were consumed with religious ceremonies and traditions. Their goal had become catching someone violating a commandment and pronouncing them guilty, rather than offering love, forgiveness and an encouraging push in the right direction. They did not show love for the Lord or their fellows.

And yet they wore fancy robes and put on an elaborate show. The leaders looked good on the outside but were spiritually empty on the inside. Jesus compared them to whitewashed tombs, trying to look good on the outside but with only dead men’s bones on the inside. Hypocrites!

Jesus’ teaching is a warning for us nowadays. Only trust spiritual leaders who teach the Bible and model their actions after the Christ. Steer clear of dead men’s bones!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship