In His final public sermon before the cross, Jesus turned His focus on the scribes and Pharisees, exposing the hollowness of their religion. Outwardly they appeared devout, polished, and respected, but inwardly they were dead, full of hypocrisy and corruption. Like whitewashed tombs, they looked beautiful on the surface, but carried nothing but death inside. Jesus pronounced seven woes—words of judgment mixed with sorrow—warning that pride, pretense, and false religion lead only to condemnation.

This message is not only for the Pharisees, but for all who hide behind outward religion without inward transformation. A person may be applauded by men, faithful in church attendance, or known for religious activity, yet remain spiritually dead without Christ. True salvation is not found in polish, religion, or applause, but in the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Only He can make dead bones live, turning tombs into temples, and replacing your mask with mercy.

1. Polished, But Pretending
The Pharisees looked spiritual with their garments, but it was all an outward performance. We can carry a Bible, sing hymns, and look the part, but if there’s no inward reality of Christ, it’s nothing more than pretense.

2. Religious, But Rotten
Beneath the surface of religious activity was decay and death. No amount of church attendance, service, or good works can cleanse a sinful heart. Without Christ, even the most devoted church member remains spiritually dead until true salvation transforms them from the inside out.

3. Applauded, But Abandoned
The Pharisees were admired by crowds and honored by men, but Jesus saw past the applause to the hypocrisy within. On the final day, it will not matter how many people respected us or thought we were “good”—what matters is whether Christ knows us. To be praised on earth but rejected in eternity is the greatest tragedy.