Whitewashed Tombs

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs.” —Matthew 23:27

After studying God’s Word, I’ve had a sobering thought. We know God is offended by people who don’t even pretend to be godly, such as adulterers, fornicators, abortionists, and pornographers. But it seems that God is even more offended by unbroken, religious people—those whose spiritual-looking outside covers a proud, unteachable spirit.

Jesus had strong words for these people: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of the bones of the dead and every kind of impurity” (Matt. 23:27).

I think that proud, hypocritical Christians have done more damage to the church than any unbeliever. By looking down on others as “less spiritual,” we’re missing the heart of the gospel and the grace of Christ.

So whether you are a thief and adulterer or a whitewashed tomb, remember the grace of God is available to those who lay down their pride and come to Him with a repentant heart.