Hypocrites and Useless Debates

Today's Reading:  Matthew 15

 

Scripture:

"Jesus said, 'Are you still lacking in understanding also?'"  Matthew 15:16

 

Observation:

Tradition blinds us.  It creates a perception of reality that is really hard to change.  Tradition in religion is a surrogate for obedience.  Tradition in religion is propagated by the fear of its leaders.  Tradition always distracts attention away from the heart of a man.  Tradition in religion prevents people from experiencing the mission of Christ.

 

Application:

Hypocrites.  Jesus cared nothing for them.  In this passage there are a few things I can learn from Him this morning that are helpful in dealing with hypocrites and their useless traditions. 

 

Lesson one, do not be one.  The trouble with becoming a hypocrite is that no one ever walks up to me and says, "hey, let's be hypocrites."  It does not happen that way.  Becoming a hypocrite is a slow process of deception that weaves a web of false reality of holiness.  This false reality can be near impossible to escape.  I can not lack understanding regarding what makes me holy. 

 

Lesson two, never let hypocrites make you defensive.  In verse 3 of this chapter Jesus immediately goes on the offensive and sets the Scribes and Pharisees on their heals. Jesus was soft, approachable and forgiving to the lost; but He was brutal to the religious elite.  He never catered to them.  He always attacked their hypocrisy.  The problem is that taking on a pack of wolves is never easy.  You have to know what you are doing.  The only way to go against false religion is knowing the truth. I can not lack understanding regarding the true intentions of God's commands.

 

Lesson three,  never try to change a hypocrite.  In verse 14 Jesus said leave them alone.  Jesus did not breakout a scroll and start a religious debate.  He called them out and then left them alone.  He said they were blind.  They were incapable of seeing the truth.  The church has wasted much of this century in arguing over theology and traditions.  Baptists.  Methodists.  Presbyterians.  Catholics.  The Church of Christ.  Assembly of God.  On and on and on the list goes.  Each has its on set of tradition and its own misrepresentations of right and wrong.  Each has its own set of hypocrites hindering the work of God.  God will deal with them on His own terms.  I just need to be faithfully engaged in His plans for reaching the lost.  I can not lack understanding regarding my mission.

 

Prayer:

Father I do not want to lack understanding.  Keep me out of the politics and heresy debates taking place today.  Give me the knowledge, courage and strength to stay on course with the true mission of Your Church.  Let nothing hinder me from experiencing Your redemptive work in this lost and dying world.