Luke 11:37-44 – Hypocrites

Notice that Jesus is ready, when necessary, to spend time with unbelievers. This is a pattern for all Christians. There is a time when the servant of Christ must mix with the ungodly. This doesn’t mean he takes part in their sins, but we are not to be impolite, withdrawing ourselves completely from the world. Much good can be done through spending time with unbelievers in their homes, at their jobs, in their shops, on the train, etc.

One thing must not be forgotten, however. When we spend time with unbelievers, we must have the same attitude Christ has. We must be bold in speaking of the things of God. We must not excuse sin or water down God’s Word. If we are too afraid to imitate Christ in this way, we had better stay at home.

The Pharisee is a hypocrite – he values outward show of faith. But Christ makes clear that the state of our hearts is more important than appearance. Regular church attendance, pretended prayers and Scripture reading, outward respectability, these are an abomination to God, so long as our hearts are not washed from their sin and renewed by the Holy Spirit.

The Pharisees carry to an extreme their zeal for the service of the temple; – but they neglect their plain duty towards God and their neighbours. They are rigidly careful to do even more than is necessary in the ceremonies of faith, but they do nothing at all when it comes to loving God and men. There are thousands of men and women the same today – they are so meticulous about their behaviour on a Sunday, but act as an unbeliever every other day of the week.

Questions
1. What is Jesus’ attitude in going into the Pharisee’s home?
2. What is a hypocrite? Why is the Pharisee a hypocrite?
3. What did the Pharisees forget to do?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that we would be bold in speaking to others of Christ.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.