Drop the Mask
Authenticity Over Hypocrisy
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 23:3 CSB - "Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don't do what they do, because they don't practice what they teach.
OBSERVATION:
Matthew 23 is a strong rebuke by Jesus of the Religious Hypocrites. As you read it, you see the danger of falling into the trap of religion instead of the truth of a relationship with God. Each of the woes Jesus points out is caused by a lie that the Religious Hypocrites lived out. How do you and I avoid these same pitfalls?
APPLICATION:
A hypocrite in the bible is someone who outwardly pretends to be pious or righteous while secretly being unfaithful or wicked. The word "hypocrite" originates from the Greek word "hypokritai," meaning "stage actor" or "pretender". Jesus used the term to rebuke religious leaders who outwardly followed religious practices but lacked genuine faith and righteousness.
The first step is to avoid pretending to be something you're not. This is what Jesus rebuked them for. Look at the list of how Jesus truly saw them because they acted like something they were not.
I would say they were unhappy people trying to maintain appearances.
The second step is in the closing verses of chapter 23.
Matthew 23:37 CSB – “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"
Come to Jesus on His terms. Let Him gather you under His wings. The warning was, “They were not willing.” This was the whole point of the rebuke. They were unwilling to come to Him and choose that relationship over religion. The very idea of being brought under His wings is a picture of shelter, safety, and salvation. It’s a place of dependence on Jesus’ righteousness, not ours. Our best attempts make us miserable people.
Lastly, when God speaks to you, listen and act; don’t be like the religious hypocrites who preach but don’t practice. They say, “Draw near to Jesus, but never truly do so.” Come to Jesus and find shelter in Him. Drop the mask of religion and live in the joy of a relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER:
Jesus, You know who I am and what I am. Help me to avoid wearing a mask of religion—asking others to do what I can never do. May I dwell in the shadow of Your wings and live in the joy of a relationship with You. May I hear Your voice and actually do what You say, not just claim to do it. Thank You for loving me! I don’t want to be like those who are unwilling to come to You. Draw me, cleanse me, and help me to put down the mask when I feel like picking it up.
Matthew 23:3 CSB - "Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don't do what they do, because they don't practice what they teach.
OBSERVATION:
Matthew 23 is a strong rebuke by Jesus of the Religious Hypocrites. As you read it, you see the danger of falling into the trap of religion instead of the truth of a relationship with God. Each of the woes Jesus points out is caused by a lie that the Religious Hypocrites lived out. How do you and I avoid these same pitfalls?
APPLICATION:
A hypocrite in the bible is someone who outwardly pretends to be pious or righteous while secretly being unfaithful or wicked. The word "hypocrite" originates from the Greek word "hypokritai," meaning "stage actor" or "pretender". Jesus used the term to rebuke religious leaders who outwardly followed religious practices but lacked genuine faith and righteousness.
The first step is to avoid pretending to be something you're not. This is what Jesus rebuked them for. Look at the list of how Jesus truly saw them because they acted like something they were not.
- Hypocrites (6 times)
- Blind Fools
- Blind People
- Blind Guides
- Snakes
- Brood of Vipers
I would say they were unhappy people trying to maintain appearances.
The second step is in the closing verses of chapter 23.
Matthew 23:37 CSB – “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"
Come to Jesus on His terms. Let Him gather you under His wings. The warning was, “They were not willing.” This was the whole point of the rebuke. They were unwilling to come to Him and choose that relationship over religion. The very idea of being brought under His wings is a picture of shelter, safety, and salvation. It’s a place of dependence on Jesus’ righteousness, not ours. Our best attempts make us miserable people.
Lastly, when God speaks to you, listen and act; don’t be like the religious hypocrites who preach but don’t practice. They say, “Draw near to Jesus, but never truly do so.” Come to Jesus and find shelter in Him. Drop the mask of religion and live in the joy of a relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER:
Jesus, You know who I am and what I am. Help me to avoid wearing a mask of religion—asking others to do what I can never do. May I dwell in the shadow of Your wings and live in the joy of a relationship with You. May I hear Your voice and actually do what You say, not just claim to do it. Thank You for loving me! I don’t want to be like those who are unwilling to come to You. Draw me, cleanse me, and help me to put down the mask when I feel like picking it up.
Faith is genuine when actions match belief, not appearances.
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