Neither White-washed Nor Unmarked

When I was 10 years old my father decided to dig a full basement out from under our house. In one corner he pointed out to me a change in the pattern of the packed earth that formed the wall. "Notice how this part is all layered," he said, "while the earth right next to it is not? This may be an old Indian grave." I was filled with amazement. Our house might have been built on top of a dead man's bones!

Two warnings Jesus made about the Pharisees seem contradictory at first. He says they are like white-washed tombs (Matt. 23:27-28). The beauty of their external lives are only a facade for the ugly corruption within. He says they are also "like unmarked graves which men walk over without knowing it"(Luke 11:44). How could the same person be like an unmarked grave and like one so well marked that no one could miss it?

In comparing them to white-washed tombs, Jesus describes their hypocrisy. Their hidden intentions do not match the beautiful things they do. If one could, like Jesus, see the inside as well as the outside, he or she would be repelled by the horrible inconsistency.

Comparing them with unmarked graves describes their unnoticed influence. Dedicated Jews were scrupulous about avoiding graves for fear that they might touch a human bone and defile themselves (see Num. 19:11-13). Jesus was saying that people defiled themselves whenever they got around the hypocritical Pharisees. And the worst part of it was that they didn't even realize they were being defiled. They thought the Pharisees would bring them closer to God.

We must watch our own lives, constantly comparing our actions with our attitudes. Would we be willing for our intentions to be as obvious as the good things we do? Do we draw people closer to God by their association with us, or do we defile them?

The new owners of that house do not know about the possible Native American grave in the basement. It's probably just as well. It might give them the chilly willies.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

---

Developing Your Intuition: Conscious Construction Using Cosmic 2 x 4?s

What's a cosmic 2 x 4 you ask? It's actually... Read More

A Fine Line between Heaven, Hell and Astrology - Angelic Governors of the Zodiac

Have you ever wondered which Angel governs your sign? And... Read More

Experiences With Angels

All of my life I had heard, read and sang... Read More

Inner Beauty ? Finding the Source

In Corrogue I am seeking the source of inner beauty.This... Read More

What Does It Mean To Hear Gods Voice?

Excerpt from The Journey That Never Was: a guide to... Read More

Gods and Energy

An interesting question that frequently comes up is "Which Gods... Read More

Spiritual Growth: Measures for How Youre Doing

In my yard are quarter-circles of grass growing taller than... Read More

Spring Cleanup

The junk I'm talking about is the stuff that we... Read More

When Bad Things Happen (Part 1)

Rabbi Kushner in his book "When Bad Things Happen to... Read More

Bone Box of the Rich and Famous

The contrast between the two men could not have been... Read More

Mystic Vision Opens Mind Body Connection

Worldwide extensive research is being published related to the mind-body... Read More

The Tess Syndrome

There's a lot of talk about angels these days. They're... Read More

Trust is Prosperity

A while back the Lord had given me this message... Read More

Esoteric & Occult Secrets

To understand the nature of esoteric and occult secrets it... Read More

Let Go Of My EgGO--Pride Cometh Before A Fall!

Years ago a commercial ran for eggo waffles. It showed... Read More

The Importance and Necessity of Special Revelation - Part Two

Part Two ContinuedIn addition to numerous philosophical problems relating to... Read More

The Subconscious Mind: A Tool For Success

As a Coach and Psychotherapist I have found that the... Read More

The Recipe for Love - Christmas Special

"This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as... Read More

Do Feng Shui Remedies Really Work?

THE PREMISEFeng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that has... Read More

Relationship Advice: What Bewitched Can Teach Us About Successful Relationships

Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell recently starred in the movie... Read More

Traveling Out Of Body

I can see the cops coming! They're a good thousand... Read More

If It Is The Lords Will I Will Live

My thoughts can get a little edgy at night. Possibly... Read More

Answering a Soul Call

Is life challenging you to take a bigger leap? Are... Read More

Wealth Catchers: Discover Wealth and Prosperity with the Angels of Abundance

Did you ever know somebody who easily accumulates wealth? If... Read More

No Other gods Before Me

The passenger had to be carried onto the plane and... Read More

Anam Chara - The Flow of Life

I am deeply drawn to the above Irish Blessing.This blessing... Read More

Candle Burning to Petition the Male Saints

Last NAN I explained how to petition the female Saints... Read More

Understanding the Gospel of Matthew and Why it Matters - Part 6

Matthew 2:16-18Herod Kills the Children16 Then Herod, when he saw... Read More

Believe-Dont Doubt; Give Thanks-and Receive!

Does this ever happen to you? You ask God for... Read More

Releasing the Yoke

When the Bible makes reference to a "yoke" it is... Read More

The CAB Approach to Spiritual Growth

I have been thinking a lot about the spiritual growth... Read More

Why Sit Here Until I Die?

The bible tells a story about four men who sat... Read More

Your Attitude Determines Your Future

Do you realize you are creating your future by the... Read More