Matthew 23:25
Amharic New Standard Translation (አማርኛ አዲሱ መደበኛ ትርጉም) 2005
What Does This Mean?
Jesus is speaking to the scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites because they only clean the outside of things, like cups or dishes, but inside they are full of bad behaviors like greed and excess.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a toy box. You keep it shiny on the outside by wiping it clean every day, but inside, your toys are all broken and messy because you don't take care of them properly. Jesus is saying that's what some people were doing - they looked good on the outside but weren't nice or honest inside.
Historical Background
This verse was written by Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples, around 80-90 AD. He wrote this for Jewish Christians and early followers of Jesus to understand the hypocrisy in their community leaders during a time when religious purity was highly valued.
Living It Out Today
In modern life, we might see people who always put on a perfect facade online or in public but act very differently behind closed doors, showing dishonesty or selfishness. This verse reminds us that true goodness comes from within and affects our daily actions.