What is a phylactery?

It's a little black leather box which a pharisee would strap to his head. In fact orthodox Jews still do this. The box contains the laws of Judaism. The idea is that this would remind one of the law and the need to keep it. But jesus claimed the pharisees were wearing them, but not keeping the laws which spoke of helping the poor and sick. I am going to show some children tomorrow what a phylactery would look like. I have a small oxo cube box on a piece of ribbon. I had intended to paint the box black, but decided to leave it as an oxo box as the children are more likely to remember it that way. Jesus also said the pharisees were like a cup which was all cleaned up on the outside but dirty inside. I am taking along a very nice mug to show the children. But inside it is a mouldy strawberry, a mouldy tea bag and a piece of banana skin. Jesus said the pharisees were like that, all clean and smart on the outside but dirty inside. I think those will be two good illustrations.

We have to be careful too that our lives are pleasing to God inside as well as outside.