Luke 20:41-47 – Hypocrisy

The book of Psalms testifies to the fact that Jesus Christ is God, and it is this very fact that Jesus is bringing to everyone’s attention. After patiently answering His enemies’ questions, Jesus puts a question to them that they cannot answer. The Scribes and Pharisees do not see the mighty truth, that Messiah is to be God as well as man, and that while as man He is to be David’s son, as God He is to be David’s Lord. He exposes their ignorance of Scripture before all the people. They are supposed to be teachers of others, but they are unable to explain the Scriptures. The book of Psalms is a book full of Christ, – Christ suffering, Christ humiliated, Christ dying, Christ rising again, Christ coming the second time, Christ reigning over all.

Christ hates hypocrisy. He publicly rebukes the recognised teachers of the Jewish people for this sin. When He sees Scribes and Pharisees wearing an attitude of religion and holiness, but with hearts full of wickedness, He is outraged. And this same Lord has not changed. He still hates hypocrisy. Whatever else we are as Christians, we should be true. However weak our faith, and hope, and love, and obedience may be, let us at least make sure that what we have is sincere.

Who are those who will finally be condemned? All who will not come to Christ, – all who know not God and obey not the Gospel, – all who refuse to repent and go on still in wickedness, all will be finally condemned. They will reap what they have sown.

Questions
1. How did Jesus show the Scribes and Pharisees’ ignorance?
2. What sin does Christ rebuke?
3. Who will end up in Hell?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for opportunities to warn unbelievers of their danger.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.