Religious but Lost: What Jesus Really Said to the “Good People”

[bdavidc]

Today in Luke 11:37–44, we see one of the most significant moments during Jesus’ time on earth. He was invited to dine with a Pharisee who, by the way, was one of the most religious men of his day. Instead of offering polite conversation or mutual admiration, Jesus delivers a sharp and public rebuke. He exposes their spiritual pride, hypocrisy, and inward corruption. Far from commending their religious devotion, Jesus condemns it, revealing that their outward appearance of holiness masked hearts that were far from God (Matthew 23:27–28, Isaiah 29:13).

What really surprises a lot of people today is that Jesus didn’t reserve His toughest criticisms for the sinners wandering around the streets. Instead, He aimed His sharpest words right at the religious leaders in the synagogue. “Woe to you Pharisees!” Can you believe that? He declares it repeatedly. Why? Because they were experts in appearing righteous, yet they were full of greed, pride, and spiritual blindness (Luke 18:11–14, Matthew 6:1–5). They tithed even the smallest herbs yet neglected justice and the love of God. They burdened others with laws they themselves did not follow. They honored the prophets with their lips while their hearts were just as rebellious as those who murdered them (Matthew 23:29–31).

This should shake us. It teaches us that religious activity does not equal salvation. A person can go to temple—or church—every week, quote Scripture, and perform rituals, and still be completely lost (Titus 1:16, 2 Timothy 3:5). You know, Jesus wasn’t here just to endorse religion. His whole purpose was about inviting people into a real, active relationship with Him, because it’s all about repentance and faith (Mark 1:15, John 3:3–7). Think about it—His mission wasn’t to patch up hollow systems of self-righteousness. Instead, He came to shine a light on those empty ways and replace them with what’s real and true. Isn’t that a refreshing perspective?

The danger is just as real today, maybe even worse. Just look around—there are so many false teachers, kind of like those Pharisees from back in the day. They love the spotlight, crave the praise of people, and twist the Word of God to suit their own needs. They end up making themselves their own gods, which is idolatry (2 Peter 2:1–3, Romans 1:21–23). You’ve got people preaching about morality, good deeds, or emotional highs, but here’s the kicker—most won’t even talk about sin or call people to true faith in Christ (Galatians 1:6–9, 2 Timothy 4:3–4).

Many preachers or people who talk about Jesus may look and seem religious, but they are totally twisting what the Bible really says. Just look at Matthew 7:15, where Jesus warns us, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” These false teachers aren’t harmless—they’re leading people astray and destroying souls. It’s something we need to be very aware of (Jude 1:4, 1 John 4:1).

True salvation is not found in religion, tradition, or even sincerity. It is found in Jesus Christ alone. When we look at John 14:6, where Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” it really hits home. It’s clear, isn’t it? Jesus didn’t come to establish just another religious group. His mission was much deeper. He came to save sinners, expose the pride of those who think they’re already righteous, and offer a true change of heart through faith in Him (Luke 5:31–32, 1 Timothy 1:15).

We really need to be cautious. We might think we’re on the right path, when in reality we’re wasting time on the broad road that leads away from Jesus—and we are not saved. What we’ve done is placed our faith in human wisdom instead of God’s truth (1 Corinthians 1:18–25). We must move beyond rituals and traditions and genuinely connect with Christ Himself. That’s what matters most. The Bible makes it clear in Matthew 7:13–14, “Enter by the narrow gate...” and that is Jesus Christ and the truth of His word in the bible.

Know the Bible - April 6

Song - Are You Washed in the Blood