Object lesson
In the ancient world, salt preserved, flavored, and, in some covenants, sealed a relationship. Jesus tells disciples they are the…
Mission · Formation · Community
Matthew 5 · Leviticus 2
Metaphor
Tombs that look finished
Matthew 23:27–28
Whitewashed tombs are beautiful at a distance and full of bones. Jesus aims the image at religious people who keep the outside impressive. Hypocrisy is not failing. It is decorating the failure so no one has to smell it. The metaphor still works on churches with good signage and unrepented interiors.
How you’d preach it
Use carefully, at home first. The point is not to enjoy accusing. It is to stop confusing polish with life.
- Pride
- Formation
Matthew 23
Matthew 23:27–28