By: Juliet Constantine
“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)
“In the 1st century, scribes and Pharisees were two largely distinct groups, though presumably some scribes were Pharisees. Scribes had knowledge of the law and could draft legal documents... Pharisees were members of a party that believed in resurrection and in following legal traditions that were ascribed not to the Bible but to ‘the traditions of the fathers.’ Like the scribes, they were also well-known legal experts: hence the partial overlap of membership of the two groups.” (Encyclopedia Britannica)
The Scribes and Pharisees taught and enforced obedience to Moses’ law. They even took it much further: In wanting to show how zealous they were, they wore broad phylacteries on their foreheads and left arm. They were so full of themselves that they totally ignored Moses’ instruction to wear tassels with a blue thread on the corners of their garments (Num 15:38).
What Jesus found was that the law was only an external show, but with no inward change. Jesus was truly intolerant of the false pretense of these leaders. No wonder He told the multitude that the Pharisees and teachers of the law could not enter the kingdom of Heaven. Jesus exposed their pretense and called them hypocrites. I believe that He was also teaching us to identify hypocritical behavior. Hypocrites are:
1. Barriers to entry into God’s kingdom, not only for themselves but for others.
2. Bible talkers but not Bible walkers. Their mantra is: do what I say but don’t do what I do. They do not practice what they preach.
3. Pretenders. They behave as if they care, but their real motive is to plunder – even the helpless.
4. Self exalters. They prayed the longest prayers, glorifying self for their [supposedly] good deeds; but no true confession is made.
5. Lay workers who commit great resources to soul winning; after which their false behavior will influence those candidates to be twice as likely to go to hell.
6. Materialistic. Their priorities are mixed up. They place more emphasis on material things and taught likewise.
7. Money lovers! They majored in the minor and minored in the major. Their emphasis is all on money, money, money and tithe paying; yet justice, mercy and faith were ignored.
8. Impressionists. They are for external appearances – the epitome of righteousness. They dress nicely, but their hearts are full of sin. They are corrupt extortionists who self indulge.
9. Wolves in sheep’s clothing. They will look like righteous angels, but are the devil from hell.
10. Murderers: who secretly kill others, yet behave as if their hands are free from blood.
This list is quite familiar in the 21st century. Not much has changed. The list of woes wasn’t just for hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees. It is for hypocrites whoever you are! But more importantly, Jesus warned that “if our righteousness does not exceed… we will not enter.”
Am I measuring up? Am I a hypocrite? While I respect leaders and I admire their dedication (or what is seen of them): I must make Jesus my example. I must accept His righteousness, without which I will not enter. What about you? It’s time to step up our game. Let’s get serious about our Christian walk.
Oh my Father, please empty me of self and every form of lawlessness and fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I will not be a hypocrite. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
