Welcome to the “But first, Bible” daily devotional podcast with Dave Miers.
Our bible readings for today are Exodus 34-36 and Matthew 23:1-22.
According to McCrindle Research, 65% of Australians say they are negatively influenced by hypocrisy: where Christians fail to practise what they preach.
But here’s the thing, religious hypocrisy isn’t new! In fact, Jesus was against religious hypocrisy as well. In Matthew 23, Jesus speaks out against the religious leaders of his day. Most of the chapter is made up of a series of woes – or judgments – that Jesus pronounces over the Pharisees and other religious leaders for their hypocrisy.
Have a look at, Matthew 23:1–12
[1] Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, [2] “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, [3] so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. [4] They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. [5] They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, [6] and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [7] and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. [8] But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. [9] And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. [10] Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. [11] The greatest among you shall be your servant. [12] Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (ESV)
They preach, but do not practice.
They place heavy burdens on people, but don’t lift a finger.
The deeds they do? They do to be seen and noticed
They love titles, but don’t love Jesus.
They exalt themselves, putting themselves at the centre of their religion.
As well as pronouncing woes on these leaders, Jesus also finishes the chapter by lamenting what has become of Jerusalem and the people of God. In the midst of his judgement, we see Jesus’ lovingly long for his people to turn back to him.
How do we respond in the face of religious hypocrisy? We need to recognise the ways that we can be hypocritical in our faith, the ways that we fail to practice what we preach.
Notice verse 12 again, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” How do we turn from hypocrisy? With humility. Humble ourselves before the Lord. Own that our hearts are prone to wander.
Here’s the thing with the statistic about 65% of Australians being put off Christianity because of hypocrisy… while there is certainly hypocrisy in the Christian church, many of the Christians that I know, in my church, my friends, other churches I’ve visited are not hypocrites. Am I saying that my church and friends are perfect? By no means. But what I observe among many Christians I know:
- is a desire to be humble before the Lord
- is a recognition that we don’t always get things right
- is an acknowledgment that we still sin and are not perfect
- and is a bold preaching of our need for Christ.
The gospel of Jesus frees us from religious hypocrisy. Our religiosity will not save us, the deeds we try and perform for people will not save us. What will save us? Only trusting in Christ our perfect saviour who died in our place and for our sin, who raise again and offers life to all who trust in him.
Immanuel Church in Nashville is a fellow Acts 29 Church. And I love their mantra:
- I’m a complete idiot.
- My future is incredibly bright.
- Anyone can get in on this.
Do you want to turn from religious hypocrisy? Then own up to your failure – I’m a complete idiot. Recognise that because of the gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection – your future is incredibly bright. And know that this offer is available to anyone – the religious and rebellious alike are called to humble ourselves before Jesus.
Until tomorrow, keep trusting Jesus.