Looks Can Be Deceiving

Matthew 23:27–28 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

When we meet people, we usually want them to approve of us and like us, so we represent ourselves in the most pleasing way possible. It is called “putting our best foot forward.” There is nothing wrong with wanting to make a good and honest impression. Unfortunately, it is easy to cross the line and represent ourselves in a manner that it hypocritical.

This can even be the case when religious people want to appear to be more spiritual than they are. It is in this regard that Jesus took issue with the Pharisees of His day. It was common for most Pharisees to think of themselves more highly than they ought and to encourage others to think that way about them as well. Outwardly they would show themselves to be meticulous followers of the Mosaic Law and the religious traditions handed down to them. Instead of seeing themselves as struggling with sin or selfishness, or allowing themselves to be seen as struggling with sin and selfishness, they convinced themselves and others that they were far more spiritual and far more righteous than they were in reality.

Jesus saw right through their hypocrisy and exposes the reality of the condition of their hearts. In the most graphic way He explains to them that looks can be deceiving. He compares the disparity of their sinful hearts and their religious conduct with hiding the ugliness and smell of rotting flesh with an tomb incasement painted white to make it look clean and pure.

The warning for all of us is plain to see. We are tempted to think we are better than we are before our pure and holy God. We are also tempted to lead other people into thinking we are more consistent and righteous than we are in actuality. The biggest problem with such hypocrisy is that it keeps us from seeking the mercy and grace of God’s forgiveness through the work of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus didn’t come to award the most righteous, but provide salvation for those who recognize their sinfulness.

It is Jesus who saves sinners and changes their hearts. As His transforming work continues in their lives, He empowers His humble and needy people to find the grace and strength to continue the process of being conformed to His image.

Jesus alone is able to transform us. Left to our own devices, we’re hopeless and helpless. So let’s stop kidding ourselves and others. We desperately need Jesus and He alone is able to deliver us.