By Scott Bush, D.Min.
Executive Director, Ministry Training Institute, Samford University
CALLING OUT SIN
Luke 11:37–46, 12:1–3
The word “hypocrite” has an interesting origin. It’s from ancient Greek and is a combination of two words — “hypo,” meaning “under,” and “krino,” meaning “to judge or interpret.” It originally referred to actors who wore large masks on stage. The players in a Greek drama were interpreting their characters from under the mask.
It didn’t take long for the word to take on the meaning that we use today. A person who speaks or acts in a dishonest or insincere way is like an actor wearing a mask. He or she is a hypocrite. Jesus warns that hypocritical, superficial religion is no substitute for heart-deep holiness.
Focusing on outward appearances while ignoring the condition of the heart is sinful. (11:37–41)
Luke once again tells of Jesus sharing a meal. A Pharisee invites Him to lunch and then takes offense when Jesus doesn’t follow the tradition of ceremonial washing.
More than mere hygiene, hand washing was an expression of personal purity, a way to remove any contamination from contact with unclean things or “less holy” people. Hypocrisy must always be propped up by comparison with those who we feel are inferior to ourselves.
The host was shocked, so Jesus addressed the real issue. Keeping the outside clean is pointless if the heart is selfish and greedy. A gracious, obedient heart, on the other hand, will purify the outside from within.
Focusing on religious practices while ignoring the greater need for love and justice is sinful. (42–46)
Jesus continues by addressing the Pharisees’ outward practice, saying that keeping a high profile in religious circles and making much of meticulous giving is all meaningless when true devotion and a commitment to justice are neglected. A religious reputation can be a deadly self-deception without genuine love for God and selfless love for others.
Hypocrites are not only deluded; they are also a danger to others. Jesus warns that hypocritical Pharisees are like unmarked graves. When a traveler unwittingly came into contact with such a grave, he would become ceremonially unclean.
Similarly, the self-righteousness of the Pharisees could infect those under their influence. Jesus went on to say that the scribes set impossibly high standards for people but offered no help in reaching them — presumably because they didn’t even meet them! Hypocrisy relies on appearances and discounts or even denies the transforming work that God does in the hearts of His people.
Sin will be exposed by God. (12:1–3)
As large crowds gathered around Jesus, He turned to the Twelve and gave them a personal reminder. He compares the shallow, showy religion of the Pharisees to leaven. Hypocrisy, like yeast in bread, may seem like a small thing but it will spread, affecting every area of a life. In the end, He says, the secret sinfulness of the Pharisees will be exposed and judged by God.
Christians also understand the power of secrecy where sin is concerned. The Apostle John encourages us to confess our sins rather than hide behind our carefully constructed reputations. When we do this, God is faithful (He always will) and just (He has won the right) to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Hypocrisy only puts a mask on our sinful hearts, but God gives His people a new heart that loves Him and loves others.
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