I wrote this poem as I wrestled with the realization that the leaders I once revered were not pointing me to Christ, but away from Him. This is not just an expression of anger—though there is some anger—but also lament, sorrow, and a longing for the true gospel of grace to be known.

The words echo the strong rebukes Jesus gave to the religious leaders of His day—words that are just as relevant for any system or individuals that hide the cross behind legalism, performance, and pride:

________________

You taught me to revere you

To stand when you enter the room

To hang onto your every word

As if it came from Jesus himself

To lift you up

As special witnesses

As prophets, seers, and revelators

To never doubt what you taught

With your cunning words

You deceive

You mislead

You deflect

You pretend to have seen

But you are blind guides

You love to be seen

To sit in the prominent seats

To be called “beloved” or “teacher”

To have people sing songs praising you

You have your reward

You make a big show

Of piousness and righteousness

Even as you devour widows houses

And waste the widows mite

You pile on burdens

But you do not lift a finger

You wear pristine white shirts and suits

But inside you are dirty and filthy

Full of greed and selfishness.

You build opulent temples

Whitewashed and beautiful

But they are full of bones and filth

The dead burying their dead

You claim to honor the prophets

But you reject the one they point to

Failing to recognize him as Savior

You persecute those who preach him

And conceal the power of the cross

With your rules and your legalism

You focus on tithing and obedience

But you neglect the weightier matters

Justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

You lock people out of the kingdom of heaven.

You cut them off from the source of grace

You preach a different Gospel that cannot save

You won’t go in yourselves, and you keep others from going in

You travel the world to win converts

But what you teach them can’t save them

You promised them Zion

But deliver them to hell

Woe unto you!

Scripture References for Reflection:

• Matthew 23 (especially verses 1–36)
• Luke 11:37–52
• Galatians 1:6–9
• 2 Corinthians 11:13–15
• Romans 10:1–4
• Matthew 7:15–23