In chapter 23 of Gospel of Mathew, Jesus is cutting the Pharisees down to size and calling them out for a number of reasons. He begins by telling the people that the Pharisees should be respected because they occupy the seat of Moses. But they were bad examples because they expected a lot from others but did little themselves. The Pharisees burdened the people with strict laws making life difficult for them. They made human traditions and human religious rules more important than God’s Word. They paraded their righteous deeds. They wore large phylacteries in order to appear more spiritual and loved it when people admired them for their spirituality. They wanted the best places at feasts and in the synagogues. They wanted to be honoured with titles like Rabbi. Their tithing was meticulous but hypocritical because they neglected more important matters of the law: justice, mercy and faith. Jesus exhorted them to first be righteous inside before they attempt to look righteous on the outside. And finally, Jesus calls them white-washed tombs. Pretty on the outside but dead and rotting inside.

In today’s world it’s all about the image we project. How do we want to be seen? Rich, glamorous, educated, righteous? God sees us as we actually are and not as man sees us or the image we try to portray. “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7