Matthew 23:13-33 – Hypocrites
Standing in the midst of the temple, with a listening crowd around Him, Jesus publicly denounces the main errors of the Scribes and Pharisees in unsparing terms. Seven times He calls them “hypocrites.” Twice He speaks of them as “blind guides” – twice as “fools and blind” – once to “serpents and a brood of vipers.” This shows how utterly abominable the spirit of the Pharisees is in God’s sight, in whatever form it may be found.
Let us learn from the whole passage how deplorable is the condition of the Jewish nation when our Lord is upon earth. If the Pharisees are the teachers, what must be the miserable darkness of those who are taught by them! It is high time indeed for the Sun of Righteousness to arise and the Gospel to be preached.
Let us learn from the whole passage how abominable is hypocrisy in the sight of God. These Scribes and Pharisees are not charged with being thieves or murderers, but with being hypocrites to the very core. Let us resolve never to wear a mask. Let us be honest and real.
Let us learn from the whole passage how awfully dangerous is the position of an unfaithful minister. It is bad enough to be blind ourselves. It is a thousand times worse to be a blind guide. Of all men none is so wicked as an unconverted minister, and none will be judged so severely.
Finally, let us beware of supposing from this passage, that the safest course is to make no profession of faith at all. It does not follow that there is no such thing as true faith, because some men are hypocrites. It does not follow that all money is bad, because there is counterfeit money. Let not hypocrisy prevent our confessing Christ, or move us from our steadfastness, if we have confessed Him.
Questions
- How does Jesus describe the Pharisees?
- How does God see hypocrisy?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would guard against hypocrisy in our life.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.