Hypocrisy

Devotional

“Hypocrisy is when someone acts like they’re one thing, but they are not.” These are people who say they follow Jesus, but do not follow his word. Jesus calls out the Pharisees because, even though it looked like they were following God, this was really just on the outside. On the inside they weren't really following God. Jesus tells them they they "have a clean cup on the outside, but the inside is dirty."

37 When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. 39 Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. 42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. 43 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces. 44 “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.” 45 One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”

LUKE 11:37-45

Questions:

Practice The Way of Jesus:

In James 5, James encourages us to confess our sins to one another so that we may be healed. God does surprising things when we take off the mask. This week, consider the role that honesty has in the life of a Christian. Identify the areas where God might be calling you to be honest and transparent and seek to get open with someone about those areas.

Book recommendation: "I Told Me So" by Gregg A. Ten Elshof