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."

---

Why is Kabbalah so Attractive to Hollywood A-Listers Like Madonna, Britney Spears and Demi Moore?

CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA: Of course we may never know the real... Read More

Everything is Happening for the Good

When we feel that something has gone wrong and are... Read More

Life is a Continuous Prayer

Prayer doesn't just happen when we kneel or put our... Read More

Are You Homeless? Does Your Soul Have a Home?

How do you feel when you see homeless people on... Read More

Affirmations for Emotional Hygiene

Last week I talked about the need to practice emotional... Read More

Our King Complex

When King David was old and well advanced in years?... Read More

Contentment in Gratitude

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,... Read More

Art of Living ? Finding It?s a Wonderful Life

In Corrogue I am finding it's a wonderful life.Let me... Read More

The Lord is My Shepherd

An acrostic prayer poem.The Lord loves me and is gracious... Read More

To Praise Him is to Love Him; to Love Him is to Obey His Commands

Some say praising Jesus is just singing. Others say it... Read More

How Much Do You Love Me?

Love...it's a deep emotion. Sometimes we say it in jest... Read More

Resolutions or Revelations?

There's nothing wrong with wanting to improve ourselves either outwardly... Read More

Self-Realization How It Can be Achieved Within Ones Life Time

Before we dwell on the subject of Self Realization we... Read More

Discovery of the Soul

Imagine yourself marooned on a vast deserted island. You have... Read More

The Garden of Agony (Part 1)

Eden, the garden of ecstasy is no longer available to... Read More

Anam Cara - Discovering Your Being

The more that "little me" allows surrender the more is... Read More

Christian Religious Addiction in Hawaii?

Surveys show that religion and spirituality play a central role... Read More

Love, Honor, and Obey

Let's take a look at all these aspects. The bible... Read More

Living Successfully - Spiritual Answers for Modern Day Desires: Part 1

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me,... Read More

Getting Your Feelings Down on Paper

Journal ExpressionsIf you haven't already done so, please start keeping... Read More

The Breath of Life

The earth is wrapped in a thin, loose shell of... Read More

Go Forward!

There is no incident in the life of Moses which... Read More

Do Feng Shui Remedies Really Work?

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

Pray Off Your Debts in 10 Days or Less - A Short Case Study

Last Friday night, I met a Christian at a prayer... Read More

40 Days and 40 Nights

I am beginning a journey starting tomorrow. I have decided... Read More

Payday Someday

Let us face reality squarely in the face by acknowledging... Read More

Are You Being In Service? Divine Source

Greetings Divine Ones, I am going to ask you a... Read More

E=mc², Emotional & Physical Gravity

The word "gravity" is a word coined by Sir Isaac... Read More

E.V.P. (A Beginners Guide to Electronic Voice Phenomena)

WHAT IS E.V.P.?EVP stands for electronic voice phenomena, some believe... Read More

GOD 1.0: The Universal OS

Welcome to the GOD 1.0 Tech Support Page. GOD 1.0... Read More

Picture This (Part Two)

In part one, I described an existence that is absolute,... Read More

What is the Evil Eye?

The Evil Eye has been around since the beginning of... Read More

The Tess Syndrome

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