hypocrisy
20 - 03/25 /11:07
“Do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. Everything they do is done for people to see.”
— Matthew chapter 23
In the expansive courtyard of the Jerusalem temple, Jesus condemned the temple rulers and religious leaders. He called them hypocrites, blind guides, children of hell, fools, and snakes.
Bible scholars suggest at least three goals propelled Jesus’ provocative teaching and insulting sarcasm.
First, to be killed during Passover.
Jesus entered our time-space reality to die on the cross. Human salvation miraculously and mysteriously results from His death and resurrection. The first Passover in Egypt launched God’s plan to save people from death, liberated humanity from bondage, and reconcile us with Himself. The sacrifice of Passover lambs prophesied the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. That divine plan anticipated Jesus’ crucifixion while Passover lambs were sacrificed. While the religious leaders planned to delay His arrest and execution until after the feast, Jesus’ combative teaching provoked them to abandon their plans and conform to God’s schedule.
Second, teach His followers to practice equality.
Humanistic societies are built upon some form of hierarchy. Today hierarchies exist in civil, business, academic and religious systems. However, Jesus insisted “You are all brothers.” No human ought to be addressed as Teacher or Father. Peter took this teaching to heart. In his first address to the citizens of Jerusalem, Peter quoted Old Testament prophets: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.” Jesus insisted equality should reign. The Spirit of God would be available to both young and old, males and females, even to servants and slaves.
Third, emphasize the radical upside-down nature of the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus proclaimed, “The greatest among you will be your servant. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Anyone and everyone has the power to humble themselves. This world may keep you from success, wealth, even liberty. Nothing but pride can keep you from humbling yourself. In the kingdom of heaven the humble shall be exalted, but the proud shall be absent. ~
Blessings,
Dan Nygaard