Hypocrisy loves to hide in human hearts [the core of one’s being], because the Truth brings it out in the open. People may be quick to criticize what they do not understand, but a spirit of hypocrisy is godless and filled with inconsistencies. When a person becomes a hypocrite he or she are self-deluded and do not see in himself or herself what everyone else can see; divided loyalty. Hypocrisy causes a person to fail at discerning Truth; it becomes impossible to practice what one professes and boasts about.
In our passage today, Luke draws attention to the fact even tax collectors have repented and opened themselves up to the Truth and accepted God’s righteous way of living. However, the Pharisees continue to deny God’s righteous ways, pretend to be holy even though they have rejected God’s purpose for them as shepherds. So, they continue to justify their attitudes and lifestyles while criticizing Jesus for socializing with sinners. Jesus responds with what he knows to be the Truth about these religious leaders’ hearts. He shines the Light of Truth to expose their hearts. They hate him because of it, but Jesus is unafraid and determined to reveal the Truth through a short story.
Luke 7:31-35 Amplified Bible
31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation [who set aside God’s plan], and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the market place and calling to one another, and saying, ‘We played the flute for you [pretending to be at a wedding], and you did not dance; we sang a dirge [pretending to be at a funeral], and you did not weep [so nothing we did appealed to you].’ 33 For John the Baptist has come neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a man who is a glutton and a [heavy] wine-drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews].’ 35 Yet wisdom is vindicated and shown to be right by all her children [by the lifestyle, moral character, and good deeds of her followers].”
Prayer: Lord, please help us guard our hearts against the ever-prevalent sin of hypocrisy. Instead, Lord, help us to approach each day with empathy and compassion for others, while still burning the flame of your consuming love. We have no idea how your grace has shielded our lives from evil, but we know we cannot invite evil into our beings by godless attitudes and living. So, we cast our hope on you to form us in your image, Jesus, and pray for our hearts to radiate your loving character when we encounter others each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.