Matthew 23:27-28

Matthew 23:27-28
Jesus continues to make analogies that are fit descriptions of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The Jews commonly whitewashed their tombs so that a passerby would not mistakenly touch the tomb and become unclean. Jesus said that the Pharisees were like those tombs. On the outside they looked beautiful, but only hid the true nature of the tomb: full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. The Pharisees were only concerned with how they appeared outwardly to men, but their true character was as unclean and dead as that which was in the tombs.
To accuse them of lawlessness was a sharp accusation. The Jews prided themselves on meticulous obedience. But whom were they trying to please? Their only concern was whether or not men believed them to be obedient. They were not concerned with whether they were actually obeying the Lord and pleasing Him. We must not minimize this warning. It is easy for any person to become so concerned about how they appear to others that being right with God becomes secondary.
Berry Kercheville