Be sure the inside is clean

“Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness.” Luke 11:39

Many of the Pharisees were careful to maintain an outward appearance that suggested moral and religious cleanliness. Yet, their hearts were full of greed and wickedness, making them hypocrites. What could be seen on the exterior was not a true reflection of their inward man.

“Foolish ones! “Did not He who made the outside make the inside also?” Luke 11:40

Cleaning the outside while being filled with greed and wickedness shows irreverence for GOD. This act suggest that GOD does not know the true intents of our heart. Jesus, instructs them to, “…give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.” Luke 11:41 The character of Pharisee in this context would not fulfill the request of Jesus, because giving alms was not in their heart.

GOD is all knowing and is not fooled by a polished exterior. He knows who we are and is much more concerned with the inward than the outward. The LORD told Samuel regarding his reaction to Jesse’s son Eliab, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1st Samuel 16:7

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:9-11