Jesus’ teaching was unmasking the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. For the most part, they were respected leaders in Judaism. Eugene Peterson, the translator of The Message, puts it in very modern language.
Luke 12: 1-3 By this time the crowd, unwieldy and stepping on each other’s toes, numbered into the thousands. But Jesus’ primary concern was his disciples. He said to them, “Watch yourselves carefully so you don’t get contaminated with Pharisee yeast, Pharisee phoniness. You can’t keep your true self hidden forever; before long you’ll be exposed, You can’t hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known. You can’t whisper one thing in private and preach the opposite in public; the day’s coming when those whispers will be repeated all over town.[1]
Characteristics of Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is when one says one thing but does another. It amounts to living out a lie. The primary reason for hypocrisy is to look good in front of others. One may want fame, a better job, or more prestige.
Jesus compared hypocrisy to yeast. His listeners would have been familiar with yeast, as many would have seen bread being made. They would save a small lump of dough from each batch and use it to leaven the next. The yeast permeated and puffed up the dough. Hypocrisy can also take a small amount of sin and permeate and puff up a group of people. Pride and moral decay often result.
Jesus didn’t want his disciples to look good; He wanted them to be authentic. A changed heart would result in changed actions. The disciples wouldn’t have to pretend to be good, their transformed heart would guide their actions.
Don’t Be Shortsighted
Hypocrisy is successful only in the short term; thus, it is very shortsighted. It is tempting to cover up actions to look good. But once we pretend, the lie continues to grow. It may be difficult to admit to a mistake at first, but the truth allows the future to be easier. Telling a lie is easy at first, but uphill from there. More lies will have to be told to cover the first. It becomes impossible to unwind the situation gracefully.
Sir Walter Scott wrote: “O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”[2] Jesus explained that sooner or later, hypocrisy will be exposed. If not revealed in this world, God will reveal it in the next. No one can fool God. Hebrews 4: 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.[3]
How can we avoid being hypocrites? First, we need to confess our sins to God and ask for His forgiveness. Then we need to ask for His guidance to move forward. This isn’t easy but the sooner it is done the easier the way forward will be. Finally, we all need people in our lives who will hold us accountable. Make it your goal to be authentic; it is much easier in the long run. To find out more about unmasking the hypocrisy, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-consequences-of-not-following
[1] The Message, Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene Peterson.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 219). Victor Books.
[3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Heb 4:13). Tyndale House Publishers.