Day 24 – X-Ray Vision

I have to admit, I will be glad when we get through these woes. They are hard to hear, and hurt even more to absorb and reflect on them in my own life! This sixth woe spoken by Jesus to the Pharisees, the legalists, is a hard one!

Matthew 23:27-28 (ESV)
“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. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

Again, in modern language from The Message:

Matthew 23:27-28 (MSG)
“You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You’re like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it’s all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh. People look at you and think you’re saints, but beneath the skin you’re total frauds.”

Psalms 5:9 (ESV)
For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.

What does our Lord see when He looks at you and me with x-ray vision?

Is there anything in your life that needs to be made clean as you consider Jesus approaching the cross to die for your sin and mine?

Rev. Andy Bales

President/CEO of Union Rescue Mission