They do all their deeds to be seen by others…
Matthew 23:5

In this chapter the Lord Jesus severely criticizes the religious people of His day, beginning with this simple observation: what they do is done to be seen by other people, not to be seen by God, who sees their heart.

They want to establish a reputation for themselves as good, upstanding people but the outward behavior covers a sinful heart full of lust, covetousness, pride, arrogance, hate and unforgiveness.

He accuses them of “washing the outside of the dish and leaving the inside dirty.” He says they are like whitewashed tombs: pretty on the outside but full of death and corruption on the inside.

God is not interested in a show of religion. He calls me to clean up my inside by true repentance, so that my life can be clean all the way through, from the inside out. He’s ready to forgive, but intolerant of secret sin.

Lord, I stand before You by grace: I need You every day to forgive the inward corruption that no one else can see, and deliver me from those secret sins. Restore my soul. Lead me in paths of righteousness, for Your name’s sake. Be my Shepherd, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles