“In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (v. 28)

It’s tempting to read the woes and think, “Wow, those guys and their religion were really messed up.”

And, yeah, they were. Jesus’ sharp preaching was needed—especially within a religious tradition that kept trading the point for empty practices.

Just don’t forget that the miracle of inspiration—the gift of these Scriptures, remembered by eyewitnesses and inspired by the Holy Spirit—is that it comes to you, living and active and purposed.

This means our religious lives ought to be scrutinized under Christ, too.

So ask the hard questions:

Am I a worshiper, or a rule-keeper?

Do I care more about the shape of my church than the shape of my heart?

Am I more invested in maintaining preferences than I am in compassion?

Is my heart open in repentance, or do I keep my sin behind closed doors, so that I can fake it on Sunday one more time?

Am I giving my neighbor a Gospel of grace, or am I just hoping they’ll sign up for church life on my terms?

The reality of the inside of your cup cannot be ignored. Most of us have highly polished outsides—but the Jesus life is about the inside alongside.

Let the woes hit you there, and give fresh thought to your religion.

— Tyler