Whitewashed Tombs – When Our Walk Invalidates Our Talk

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. ²⁸ So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matthew 23:27-28).

Dwight L. Moody was an American evangelist and publisher who lived in the 19th century. Among other institutions, Moody founded the renowned Moody Bible Institute and Moody Publishers, both still in existence today. He was known for his piercing and passionate sermons and leading highly popular revival tours in Great Britain and the U.S.

In one of his publications, titled “Moody’s Anecdotes,” he wrote a provocative story about a picture exhibited in a gallery in London. From the viewer’s perspective, the image seemed to depict a monk engaged in prayer — his hands clasped, his head bowed. Upon closer examination, however, the reality of the monk’s activity became clear. He wasn’t praying. He was squeezing a lemon into a punch bowl.

I believe Moody’s picture anecdote is an amusing yet poignant observation that also rightly reflects many believers’ hypocritical standing. Superficially observed, many of us tend to appear good, righteous and holy, whereas, in reality, the contradiction between our outward appearance and inner reality is only fully known to God (and most certainly, immediate family members.)

Many tend to value the appearance of goodness more than the truthfulness and transparency of one’s faith. On the outside, we, church-goers, know all the right buzz words, reflections and charitable works needed to give us the appearance of godliness amongst our peers.

We agree to follow the rules, look, and behave a certain way. We are also quick to judge those who appear not to follow our (often legalistic) decrees. But when we are left alone with our thoughts and actions, it’s not uncommon that they don’t reflect a genuinely charitable and good spirit. Jesus called these types of church-goers “whitewashed tombs.” They looked great on the outside – chaste, controlled and wise. But their faith was skin deep and bore no substantial fruit.

These are the good ol’ church folk who won’t miss one Sunday service but turn their faces away from their unchurched family members. These are Christian friends who slander your name when you are not around. These are gossipers who are quick to spread rumors and denounce pastors, rabbis and other leaders without verifying the facts. These are deacons and Sunday school teachers who turn to pornography when no one is watching.

Like whitewashed tombs, they carry a faith that is dead inside. Their works and appearance are for show, not a reflection of a changed and genuinely generous heart.

We have all been hypocritical at some point in time. Still, I tremble at the thought of counterfeit faith; because I sincerely believe this is one of the foremost reasons many people leave the church. Surrounded by monks who were squeezing lemons while appearing holy, they are exposed to heartless religion and consequently choose to turn away from the church, and, worse yet, they often flee from God.

May it never be that our words and appearance become deeper and more genuine than our faith, lest we become a stumbling block for the world around us, hence living a life of little impact and consequence for the Kingdom of God.