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Matthew 23:15

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.

Jesus extended forgiveness and grace to the worst of sinners. Prostitutes, tax collectors, and thieves — He forgave them all. He set sinners free and turned them loose to live in obedience to God. However, there was one group of people with whom Jesus demonstrated little patience.

Jesus confronted the religious leaders of the day head-on. He condemned their pompous attitudes. He called them hypocrites, a Greek word from the theatre that means “play-actors.” He challenged their pretense. Because of their religious deceit, Jesus said that those who follow them become “twice as much a child of hell” as they are.

Jesus said that everything the religious leaders did was done for men to see. That’s a great reminder to check our hearts. Are we genuine believers or pretenders? Are we serving God or performing for men to see? Are we demonstrating a holier-than-thou attitude or living humbly and thankfully in the grace of God? Check your heart to see if there are any characteristics in you that Jesus despised in the religious leaders of His day.

Father, point out any area in my life or attitude in my heart that reflects hypocrisy. Give me the courage to acknowledge my sin and turn from it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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