Hypocrisy, a universal problem

 
There is no question but that Jesus had significant trouble with the religious leaders of his day. Although they were the authorized teachers of Mosaic Law – and what they taught should be followed faithfully – their life style should not be imitated. And that is putting it mildly! Very simply, “They don’t practice what they preach” (Matt. 23:3).
       All three synoptic gospels record Jesus’ warning against the scribes and Pharisees, although it is Matthew that has the more extended record of Jesus’ words (36 verses in comparison with Mark and Luke at 4 each). In Matthew, Jesus calls them “hypocrites” 6 times, “blind guides” twice, “serpents” or “brood of vipers 3 times, and “whitewashed tombs,” once. Keep in mind that we are talking about Jesus, the one who so often is pictured only as a gentile Galilean itinerant preacher. Let’s briefly review what he said and then turn our attention to our own day. What would a 21st century Jesus say to the religious leaders of our day?
       It is interesting that Jesus talks directly to those he calls hypocrites. “You hypocrites! He says again and again. I’m sure that when he started, some of them would adjust the golden tassel on their robe and ask rather pompously, “And who be that rude yokel?” Jesus neither had nor did he need some sort of artificial platform from which he could offer his criticism. He simply said what needed to be said, and he said it without guile or pretense. The Pharisees needed to hear what they already knew in their hearts that they were. Truth has a way of getting through. No amount of hypocrisy can hide it. People know that you stretched the truth, they just won’t tell you. Religiosity is the enemy of genuine religion. The latter is soul- satisfying, the former pleases the lower appetites of the self-centered. No wonder Jesus told it like it was, “You hypocrites, you brood of vipers.” Not judgmental, just true.
      So what goes on today in the halls of respectability? Who parades for the applause of others? Who writes another book so those who don’t will feel less important? Who has earned yet another degree? Who can quote the bible from cover to cover, but not really know what it is saying? Obviously I will cite no one because in the final analysis we are all sinners and therefore less than perfect; in fact aren’t we all, to some degree at least, hypocrites, sinners and therefore hypocrites? Have you ever heard a “Your sermon was wonderful, Pastor,” that in a closer circle becomes, “What a lousy way to spend a half an hour.” Or, “Thank you Esmeralda for that lovely song” which at Sunday lunch becomes, “Why doesn’t she give up trying to sing?”
       What is important is not to identify hypocrisy in others (God will take care of that) but to be aware of its pervasive presence throughout the human race.  Remember, God loves and forgives. With his help we are making progress toward an image of our master. Don’t be restless, he understands that we are not yet perfect in his Son. In the meantime let's do our best along the way to  allow his Spirit to complete in our lives his work of sanctification.