Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. 28 Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, 30 and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ 31 Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; 32 now fill up what your ancestors measured out!
This passage records one of Jesus’ strongest warnings to the religious leaders of His day. He compares them to tombs: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead bones and every kind of filth” (v. 27). In Jesus’ time, tombs were often whitewashed to look clean and attractive. This hiding of decay made them seem pleasant, even sacred, while inside they contained death. Jesus uses this vivid image to describe the Pharisees’ inner spiritual state and to show the danger of focusing only on outward appearances. Outwardly, they appear holy, careful in their rituals, and generous in their offerings—but inwardly, their hearts are corrupted by pride, selfish ambition, envy, greed, and hypocrisy. To the people, they looked righteous, but their inner lives were far from God.
Jesus explains the consequence: “Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing” (v. 28). Hypocrisy means acting morally or religiously without sincerely following God in the heart. Lawlessness is living against God’s will even while obeying outward rules. This contrast shows that God values the heart more than appearances. True holiness begins within.
Verses 29-30 point out a painful irony: these leaders “build the tombs of the prophets” while being responsible for the death of the prophets. Throughout Israel’s history, God sent prophets to guide His people, but many were rejected or killed by leaders. Now, the Pharisees are repeating the same pattern, resisting God’s Son and resisting His will.
Finally, Jesus explains the consequences of their rebellion: “Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out” (vv. 31-32). By opposing Him, the Pharisees show that they share in the same attitude as their ancestors, who rejected God’s messengers. Hypocrisy and false religiosity do not just harm the individual—they also harm the community and lead people away from God. God’s justice is certain, and the hearts of the proud and self-deceived will ultimately face the truth of His judgment.
The lesson for us today is direct: faith must begin in the heart. Prayers, worship, and religious routines cannot be only for show. God sees what is inside. Love, justice, humility, and sincere devotion give life to our actions. Outward practices have meaning only when they flow from a renewed heart. Words, actions, and religious expressions must honestly reflect our inner life. Jesus’ advice is clear: cleanse the inside first, letting the Spirit renew our hearts so that our lives naturally reflect holiness.
Heavenly Father, help us to avoid empty appearances in our faith. Cleanse our hearts of pride, selfishness, and hypocrisy. Teach us to serve You sincerely, love our neighbors with truth, and live in a way that honors You both inside and out. Strengthen us to follow Your prophets and Your Word faithfully, so our lives may bear fruit that lasts. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources and References:
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, ed. Bernard Orchard et al. (1953).
- The Navarre Bible: Matthew, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. José Enrique Aguilar Chiu et al. (2018).
- St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430), Tractates on the Gospel of John.
- St. John Chrysostom (c. 349-407), Homilies on Matthew.
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