Intro: Most of the time, human flesh desires to be seen by others as good or respectable. I will go so far as to say many people in our present culture have a desire to appear or sound altruistic [be perceived as having a devotion to the welfare of others]. But, in Scripture, Jesus warns humanity about stepping into hypocrisy; evidently it is rather easy to do and religious attitudes and political agendas lead the way. The word hypocrisy has to do with “play acting.” Jesus knew the actors from the real deal; he always got to the heart of the matter and still does, today. In time, hypocrisy is always revealed.
In our passage today, Jesus wants his disciples and those listening in the background to allow the light of truth to deliver them from any inner falsehood. We are created to be authentic in the love of Jesus Christ. God’s children need to move beyond simply appearing respectable; we need to draw near to God and invite him to take any hidden sin away that is hiding from the light of Truth. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin; believers are to welcome this work. The Spirit is a Gift who wants to free us from living with a false image; he wants to fill us with God’s goodness so we actually live and reveal the Truth of divine love.
Luke 12:1-2 (NLT) A Warning against Hypocrisy
1 Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy.
2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for knowing every heart and helping your children to be true to yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.