Following his challenge to the Pharisees, Jesus now turns to the crowd and pointedly warns them about hypocrisy. This must have got the religious power-holders talking! That the religious leaders of the time failed to practice what they preached is at the heart of Jesus’ critique. The problem, as Jesus makes clear, is not with the Law or their Scriptures, but with the hearts of those who have been entrusted with God’s truth. God demands not just a reciting of his Word, but for our lives to authentically reflect his rule and reign. It seems that the Teachers of the Law and Pharisees were motivated by their own glory instead of God’s glory!

Religious hypocrisy by those who follow Jesus is of course still alive and well today. Social research in Australia notes that hypocrisy is one of the biggest ‘belief blockers’ for those who don’t yet follow Jesus. In recent years, it has been absolutely heartbreaking as it has been revealed of the abhorrent ways in which people entrusted with leadership in the church have betrayed and abused people whilst hiding behind positions of power. We should be greatly grieved by this, yet we should also take heed of the hypocrisy in our own lives. Often our hearts can be full of mixed motivations as we seek to serve God. Take some time today to ask God to show you any areas of hypocrisy in your own life. Lay it before the cross, seek his forgiveness, and ask for help that we might more clearly live lives that sincerely – in heart and action – follow the Lord Jesus. AL

Questions

Prayer

Merciful God, please forgive us for the times in which we have been motivated by our own agenda instead of yours. Please forgive us for the ways in which we can outwardly be seen to ‘doing the right thing’ yet in reality, our hearts are far from you. Thank you that you are merciful and that because of Jesus we can be assured of forgiveness. Please refresh us with your Spirit that we might more clearly orientate our hearts and lives sincerely for your glory. Amen.