And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
Jesus called them out: 'You Pharisees are obsessed with looking perfect on the outside, scrubbing every cup and plate spotless. But inside? You're full of greed and evil.'
Jesus said stop performing righteousness and start actually being righteous.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century, the Pharisees were a prominent Jewish group known for their strict adherence to religious laws and rituals, such as ceremonial washings, which they believed ensured outward purity. During a meal at a Pharisee's house, Jesus responded to their criticism of His own practices by pointing out their hypocrisy in focusing on external cleanliness while neglecting inner moral corruption. This exchange reflects Jesus' ongoing confrontations with religious leaders who prioritized appearances over true righteousness.
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