In the New Testament, the term "hypocrite" is frequently used by Jesus Christ to describe individuals who outwardly display righteousness but inwardly are corrupt or insincere. The Greek word "hypokrites" originally referred to an actor or one who wears a mask, which aptly describes the duplicity that Jesus condemned. Christ's teachings and interactions with hypocrites reveal His divine insight into the hearts of men and His unwavering commitment to truth and authenticity.

Christ's Condemnation of Hypocrisy

Jesus' most scathing rebukes of hypocrisy are directed towards the Pharisees and scribes, religious leaders of His time who were often more concerned with external observance of the law than with genuine spiritual devotion. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of "woes" to these leaders, highlighting their hypocrisy. He declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). Here, Christ exposes their focus on outward appearances while neglecting inner purity.

Discernment of True Intentions

Christ's ability to detect hypocrisy is further illustrated in His interactions with individuals who sought to test or trap Him. In Matthew 22:18, when the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to ensnare Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, He perceives their malice and responds, "You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?" . This incident demonstrates Christ's discernment of their true intentions, seeing beyond their flattering words to the deceit in their hearts.

Teaching on Authenticity in Worship

Jesus also addresses hypocrisy in the context of religious practices, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in worship. In the Sermon on the Mount, He warns against performing acts of righteousness to be seen by others, stating, "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men" (Matthew 6:5). Christ teaches that true worship is directed towards God, not performed for human approval.

Parables Illustrating Hypocrisy

Through parables, Jesus further illustrates the dangers of hypocrisy. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility of the tax collector. The Pharisee's prayer is marked by pride and self-exaltation, while the tax collector's plea for mercy reflects genuine repentance. Jesus concludes, "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God" (Luke 18:14), underscoring the value of humility over hypocritical piety.

Hypocrisy as a Warning to Believers

Christ's teachings on hypocrisy serve as a warning to believers to examine their own hearts and motives. In Matthew 7:5, He admonishes, "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" . This call to self-examination encourages believers to pursue integrity and authenticity in their walk with God.

Conclusion

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently exposed and condemned hypocrisy, calling His followers to a higher standard of sincerity and truth. His teachings challenge believers to align their outward actions with their inner convictions, ensuring that their faith is genuine and pleasing to God.Matthew 22:18
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt you me, you hypocrites?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Season of Epiphany.
... "I knew a man in Christ," he says ... And I knew such a man ... singleness of heart, praising
God, and having favour with all the people[9];" while hypocrites and "liars ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vi the season of.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... hear, with careful jealousy, and at once detected the error. ... to thwart the apostle,
to soothe up hypocrites, to rob ... glory from the head of Jesus Christ (Luke 18 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Saul's Conversion
... Saul did not preach Christ before he knew him; no ... if you have been close, false,
formal hypocrites, as Saul ... you be able to stand before Jesus Christ, when he ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/sauls conversion.htm

Visions of the Sacred Humanity, and of the Glorified Bodies. ...
... that the soul seems to be dissolved and lost in Christ. ... I knew they used to say to
him that he ... Spain, and elsewhere, many women who were hypocrites, or deluded ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxviii visions of the.htm

That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good ...
... He knew not himself as preferred above his brethren ... again, But ourselves your servants
through Christ (2 Corinthians ... him his portion with the hypocrites (Matth. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter vi that the ruler.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... Example has a powerful influence upon hypocrites, not, indeed, to ... speaking and acting
in the ambassadors of Christ. ... is there any evidence that he knew that it ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm

The Wedding Garment
... He knew that the king had sent forth his armies and ... At the marriage union of Christ
with his people we see ... they feel, but it is made known to hypocrites by his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the wedding garment.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... For, (1.) where are these hypocrites? ... offering of a sweet-smelling savour to God,
through Jesus Christ! ... hands, as you dread being found (though you knew it not ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

Satan's Banquet
... too much noise, lest these sanctimonious hypocrites should guess ... my self-deceiving
hearers; Oh that ye knew the deadly ... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and ye ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/satans banquet.htm

Knox in the War of the Congregation: the Regent Attacked: Her ...
... it came to practice, traitors and hypocrites; nor did ... in such conjunction with Christ
Jesus as the natural man ... entangled with Leicester, as Knox knew) to marry ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xii knox in the.htm

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