The Life of Jesus (28) Matthew 23

A Study of Hypocrisy (2) Matthew 23

In our last lesson: What is a hypocrite? From Greek word ὑποκριτής (hypokrites) One who pretends to be other than he really is. Descriptive of an actor (wearing a mask) Matthew 23:2-4

In our last lesson: Matthew 23:2-4 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, a lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” (NKJV) Hypocrisy

In our last lesson: We addressed the need to expose false teachers strongly at times They loved places of honor, titles, etc. – Matt. 23: :13 – They shut up the kingdom of heaven with man- made rules, hypocrisy, exclusions & error.

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:14- They exploited widows and the poor NOTE: Some early MSS do not contain this verse, however see Mark 12:40, Luke 20:47 Pure greed – their motives were selfish and materialistic Jas. 2:5-7, cf. 1 Tim. 6:9-10

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:14- They exploited widows and the poor No compassion or mercy – Exodus 22:22-24, Zech. 7:8-11, Psa. 109:16, Greater condemnation Jas. 2:13

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:14- Pretense made long prayers Cf. Matt. 6:5, Luke 18:9-14 Humility in prayers – 1 Pet. 3:12, Such conduct was detestable to God.

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:15 – Traveled land and sea seeking proselytes They sought one to VALIDATE their beliefs But made them “twice as much a son of hell” – not only deceived, but dangerous – blindly following the blind (Matt. 15:14) May we seek to only teach God’s word, cf. Rom. 10:1-4

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:16-22 – Taught acceptable deceit (i.e. situation ethics) Concerning oaths – Eccl. 5:2-6, Deut. 23:21, cf. Lev. 19:11-12, Num. 30:1-2

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:16-22 – Taught acceptable deceit (i.e. situation ethics) An example of how they distorted God’s laws. “Loophole” religion!

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:16-22 – Taught acceptable deceit (i.e. situation ethics) A call for honesty - Rev. 21:8, Matt. 5:33-37, Eph. 4:25 Let us not us “technicalities” to evade the truth or manipulate scripture (e.g. Mark 16:16) Situation ethics?

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:23-24 – They tithed seeds and spices, but neglected weightier matters A distorted view of God’s laws – works without faith! 2 Cor. 10:12

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:23-24 – They tithed seeds and spices, but neglected weightier matters Neglected “weightier matters” – justice, mercy and faith – motives that governed their actions

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:23-24 – They tithed seeds and spices, but neglected weightier matters Motives ARE just as important as actions! Cf. Matt. 22:34-39, 1 Tim. 1:5, Jas. 2:14-17,… NOTE: Proper motives does NOT excuse detailed obedience! Cf. Luke 16:10

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:25-28 – Superficial righteousness Another description of what hypocrisy is – outward appearance inconsistent with inward motives – dirty cups and whitewashed tombs.

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:25-28 – Superficial righteousness NOTE: You CANNOT hide from God! Heb. 4:13 Our service must be inwardly motivated – 2 Tim. 3:5, 1 Tim. 1:5

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:29-33 – They appeared to be religious & righteous – self-deceived Honored the prophets and claimed they would not have killed them Jesus notes they would do the very same thing – beginning with Him The result would be their condemnation! And they had no excuse! John 15:22

The Anatomy of a Hypocrite 23:29-33 – They appeared to be religious & righteous – self-deceived It is NOT enough to be religious Jas. 1:27, Matt. 7:21-23 Guard against arrogance – 1 Cor. 10:12

Is our conduct consistent with our motives? 2 Cor. 13:5