Calling Out Hypocrisy

00:00:00 Speaker 1: If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Galatians 6.3 Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, acknowledging your infinite wisdom and grace. We humbly admit our need for you and recognize that all we are and have is because of your goodness. Help us to see ourselves through the lens of your holiness, not in self-condemnation, but in the truth of your love and mercy. Grant us the humility to understand our place in your grand design, lifting you above all else. May we never be deceived by pride, but instead be filled with awe at your majesty. Transform our hearts, Lord, so that we seek to glorify you in all we do. Strengthen us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Empower us to be a force for good, reflecting your light in our families, communities, and beyond. In Jesus' name we pray. 00:01:22 Speaker 2: Amen. 00:01:24 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to The Jesus Podcast. Stories inspired by the gospel to entertain, enlighten, and encourage. Be sure to follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Jesus and the disciples were invited to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with some of the people in Jerusalem who had heard Jesus teach and believed. They made their way through the winding streets. The warm glow of lamps illuminated cloth curtains covering the windows. Each house murmured with the celebrations within. Jesus pointed to the house on the corner of the street. 00:02:11 Speaker 2: I believe this is the place. 00:02:13 Speaker 1: Jesus pushed open the door. Music poured out as the disciples filled in through the doorway. Around the room, men and women were laughing, singing, and playing instruments. A man greeted with raised arms and a beaming smile. 00:02:33 Speaker 3: Shalom, shalom. We weren't sure if you would come. Thank you for joining us tonight. 00:02:40 Speaker 4: Shalom, shalom, friend. 00:02:42 Speaker 2: By the looks of it, this is the place to be tonight. I can only assume you're the one who invited us, yes? 00:02:47 Speaker 3: Oh yes, I'm Michael. Some of us heard you would be in the city for the festival and thought it was worth inviting you to our humble celebration. Please come and have a seat. There are many here who are excited to meet you. 00:03:01 Speaker 1: Michael cleared a few spaces in the center of the room for Jesus and the disciples. People were watching them through the sides of their eyes, whispering to one another. The music had started to die down. It was evident That word was spreading about the house, that Jesus was in their midst. 00:03:21 Speaker 3: We have heard your teaching from others. Is what you say true? 00:03:25 Speaker 2: I have come to speak on my father's behalf, and the words I share are true. In fact, I will be teaching in the temple courts tomorrow. Why don't you come out and make the decision for yourself? 00:03:37 Speaker 1: After the meal, Jesus rose from the table and thanked his host. The disciples followed him out the door. 00:03:44 Speaker 4: My friends. 00:03:46 Speaker 2: Tomorrow is going to be a long day. Please, go back to the house and get some rest. Are you not coming with us, Rabbi? I will meet you all in the temple courts. As for tonight, I must prepare myself. 00:04:03 Speaker 5: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology. which aligns your body, provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers soles and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on the go, G-Defy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit GDefy.com and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with GDefy shoes. Visit GDefy.com today. 00:05:03 Speaker 4: How do we guard against hypocrisy? It starts with self-examination. We need to regularly ask ourselves, Am I truly abiding in Jesus' Word? Am I letting His truth transform me? Or am I just going through the motions, saying the right things but not living them out? This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today we continue through our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status quo and showing us a new way to live. This series showcases Jesus' teachings and passion, and we will learn about God's heart for people and for His kingdom. Today, we're going to dive into a powerful passage from John 8, verses 31-59, where Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. It's a story that challenges us to look inward, to examine our own hearts, and to guard against the ever-present danger of becoming hypocrites ourselves. 00:06:02 Speaker 1: At dawn, Jesus strode into the temple courtyard. He found a seat a few paces away from the offering boxes. The sound of coins falling into the receptacles could be heard faintly under the noise of many feet parading about. A sea of colorful robes flowing through the courtyard as men and women came in and out to worship. Some of them had stopped to form a circle around Jesus to hear him teach. 00:06:32 Speaker 2: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. 00:06:40 Speaker 1: At the innermost edge of the gathering stood a group of Pharisees. Their demeanor spoke of their disgust for Jesus and his teachings. 00:06:50 Speaker 2: Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is strong, for I know where I came from and where I am going. 00:06:59 Speaker 3: Follow? 00:07:00 Speaker 4: Who in their right mind would follow you? 00:07:03 Speaker 6: Here you are appearing as your own witness. How can your testimony be valid with no one else to support your claims? 00:07:11 Speaker 1: Jesus beat his chest with a clenched fist as he spoke these words. They were confused about the meaning of his argument. But before they could respond, he pointed his finger down the nose of the Pharisee in front of him. 00:07:25 Speaker 2: But you have no idea where I come from or where I am. 00:07:28 Speaker 3: Going, do you? 00:07:29 Speaker 2: You judge others by whatever human standards please you. But I pass judgment on no one. But even if I do judge, my decisions are true because I am not alone. 00:07:42 Speaker 1: Jesus directed their attention upward. The cloudless sky was a bright blue. Many of the people in the temple courts had ceased their activity to listen to Jesus. They did their best to follow along closely. 00:07:58 Speaker 2: I stand with the Father who sent me, and in your own law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. For if I am the first witness who testifies for myself, my other witness is the Father who sent me. 00:08:14 Speaker 1: His words sent an icy chill down the Pharisees' spines. They had known Jesus to address Adonai in such a personal manner to their displeasure. The religious leader hissed his retort at the rabbi. 00:08:30 Speaker 3: We've heard about your father, Jesus. 00:08:33 Speaker 6: Where is he? 00:08:35 Speaker 4: Can he come to testify? 00:08:37 Speaker 1: Many had heard rumors of Jesus' miraculous birth and the near disgrace of his mother. The Pharisees now tried to use this against Jesus. But Jesus bellowed back. 00:08:49 Speaker 2: You do not know me or my father. If you knew me, you would know my father also. 00:08:55 Speaker 1: Jesus held up his hand at the Pharisee before he could reply. Then Jesus swiveled his body to the left. There sat Michael and some of the believers from the night before. 00:09:06 Speaker 2: It has come to my attention that many of you have heard me teach and believe my words. But hearing is not enough to follow me. You must hear and obey. If you hold to my teachings, you too are truly my disciples. For my disciples know the truth. And the truth will set you free. 00:09:28 Speaker 1: Michael spoke on behalf of his group. 00:09:31 Speaker 3: Rabbi, what freedom do you speak of? We are Abraham's descendants and we have never been slaves of anyone. 00:09:39 Speaker 2: Your mind is thinking in earthly terms, but I speak of spiritual slavery. You see, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 00:09:49 Speaker 3: How can we be free of this slavery to sin? 00:09:52 Speaker 2: Think of it like this. A slave has no permanent place in the family. But a son, a son... on the other hand belongs to the family forever so if the son sets you free you will be free indeed. 00:10:08 Speaker 1: The pharisees gasped at jesus illustration does being. 00:10:13 Speaker 6: A descendant of abraham mean nothing to you surely we are already part of god's family Yet you call us slaves? 00:10:21 Speaker 2: I know that you are Abraham's descendants, born of his line. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me because you have made no room for my word in your heart. Everything I tell you, I have seen in the Father's presence. But you, you are doing what you have heard from your father. 00:10:41 Speaker 6: Abraham is our father. 00:10:43 Speaker 1: The Pharisee responded through gritted teeth. His hands were tightly wound into fists under the sleeves of his robes. 00:10:51 Speaker 2: If you were Abraham's children, then you would do what Abraham did when he worshipped God for the promise of the seed. But look at you. You are looking for a way to kill me. A man who has told you nothing but the truth that I heard from God himself. Abraham did not do such things. No, no. You are doing the works of your own father. 00:11:16 Speaker 6: We are not illegitimate children. The only father we have is God himself. 00:11:23 Speaker 1: Again, the Pharisees were attacking Jesus' lineage and the claim of his miraculous conception. But Jesus took no mind to their insults. He didn't need their approval. 00:11:34 Speaker 2: If God were your father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own. God sent me. So why don't you understand and believe? It's not because I'm not clear, but because you are unable to hear what I say. You have shut off your ears because you belong to your father, the devil. And you want, you actually want to carry out your father's desires. 00:12:10 Speaker 1: The Pharisee's blood boiled. He turned and whispered a command to one of the temple guards. The guard rallied some of his companions and quickly headed down the colonnades. Jesus watched their departure as he continued speaking. 00:12:26 Speaker 2: He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth. But there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native tongue. Not only is he a liar, he is the father of all lies. And as your father tells you lies, you listen to him. Yet I tell you the truth and you do not believe me. 00:12:52 Speaker 6: And how do we know you're not the liar? 00:12:55 Speaker 2: Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? Just because you don't believe me doesn't mean I don't tell the truth. I speak what the father has told me to speak. Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God. 00:13:13 Speaker 1: The tension was palpable. Both parties were relentless and unmoving in their stances. But it was clear that Jesus was getting under the skin of the Pharisees. Though he spoke confidently and directly, his temper never seemed to flare out of control. The Pharisees tried to redirect the conversation with what they believed would be a more compelling accusation to the crowd. 00:13:40 Speaker 6: Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed? 00:13:46 Speaker 2: You say it as one who now speaks the truth. A demon does not possess me. Would a man possessed by demons honor the Father as I have? But you stand here and dishonor me, even though I am not seeking glory for myself. But there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge, truly. I tell you that whoever obeys my word will never see death. 00:14:15 Speaker 1: As Jesus said this, the temple guards returned with a wooden cart. It was covered with a large piece of linen, hiding the contents within. The Pharisees puffed up their chests in outrage. 00:14:30 Speaker 6: Now we know without a doubt that you are demon-possessed. You say whoever obeys your word will never taste death. But there is no denying that Abraham died, along with all the prophets. Do you dare say that you are greater than our father, Abraham? 00:14:51 Speaker 2: Who do you think you are? You ask me of my greatness, but my glory would mean nothing if I glorified myself. My father, who you claim to be your God, glorifies me. Again, I say that you do not know him. I could also say that I don't know him, but that would make me a liar like you. I do know him, and I obey his word. If only you knew who I was. For your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day come. Even he knew of my greatness and was glad to see it. 00:15:29 Speaker 6: You aren't even fifty years old. How could you have possibly seen Abraham? 00:15:35 Speaker 1: Jesus stood tall. He glanced around at the crowd that had grown since he had started preaching. Jesus stared intensely. 00:15:45 Speaker 2: At the Pharisees. Very truly I tell you this, before Abraham was born, I am. 00:15:54 Speaker 1: Jesus' words rumbled like rolling thunder, shaking the hearts of everyone present. The Pharisees took a step back in unbelief. They hastily turned to the cart beside them and tore the fabric covering, revealing a large pile of stones. One by one, the Pharisees filled their hands with the stones. Perceiving the gravity of the situation, the disciples quickly surrounded Jesus, blending him into the crowd. 00:16:27 Speaker 4: Where is he? 00:16:29 Speaker 6: Where is Jesus of Nazareth? 00:16:32 Speaker 1: No one in the crowd moved or said a word. They were all too astonished at the teaching they had just heard. Jesus and the disciples slipped through the bustling courtyard into the safety of the city streets. The disciples stared at each other with wide eyes as they caught their breath. They couldn't believe that they had made it out alive. Unable to fathom all that had happened, they burst out with laughter, to stop themselves from panicking. They were even alarmed by the truths Jesus shared. It was evident to them that he was everything he said he was. Just as the Son of God defended the Father before men, they now knew that the Father was defending the Son. 00:17:32 Speaker 4: Let's start by setting the scene. Jesus is speaking to a group of Jews who had begun to believe in him. But as he continues to teach, it becomes clear that their belief is only superficial. They like the idea of Jesus, but they're not ready to embrace the deeper truth of his message. Jesus begins by saying, It's a beautiful promise. But notice that it's conditional. If you abide in my word. Jesus is calling for more than a passing interest. He's calling for a deep, committed relationship with his word. But the response from the crowd is telling. They say, we are Abraham's descendants and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say you will be made free? John 8, verse 33. It's a shocking statement considering their history. The Jews had been in bondage in Egypt, under the Babylonians, and now under Roman rule, yet they claim they've never been in bondage. Here we see the first signs of hypocrisy, this disconnect between their words and reality. And it's a good reminder for us. How often do we claim to be free, all the while being held captive by our own sins, our habits, our fears? We need to be careful not to fall into the same trap of self-deception. Jesus responds by saying, Most assuredly, I say to you, Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin. John 8, verse 34. It's a reminder that true freedom isn't about outward circumstances. It's about the condition of our hearts. We can be in the freest of societies, but if we're living in sin, we're not truly free. John 8, verse 36. But here's the good news. Jesus also says, Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8, Verse 36. True freedom comes from a relationship with Jesus, from abiding in His Word and letting His truth transform us from the inside out. This is where hypocrisy often takes root. We can easily get caught up in outward appearances and looking good on the outside while ignoring the condition of our hearts. We might be like the religious leaders, quick to claim we're children of Abraham but slow to live out the faith of Abraham. We must guard our hearts from getting too haughty, thinking we're above it all and out of touch with our own sin. As the conversation continues, Jesus makes a bold claim. I speak what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have seen with your Father. John 8, verse 38. He's starting to draw a line between those who truly follow God and those who only claim to. The religious leaders, of course, claim Abraham as their father. But Jesus challenges them, saying, If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. John 8, verse 39. In other words, It's not enough to claim a spiritual heritage. What matters is whether we're living out that heritage in our daily lives. Jesus goes even further, eventually saying, You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. John 8, verse 44. That's strong language. But Jesus isn't trying to win a popularity contest here. He's speaking the truth in love, hoping to shake them out of their self-deceptions. It's a stark reminder for us. We all have the capability to be hypocrites. We can claim to follow Christ, but if our actions don't match our words, we're fooling ourselves. The world doesn't need more people who simply say they're Christians. It needs people who live like Christians, who reflect the love, the grace, the truth of Jesus in every aspect of their lives. So how do we guard against hypocrisy? It starts with self-examination. We need to regularly ask ourselves, Am I truly abiding in Jesus' word? Am I letting His truth transform me? Or am I just going through the motions, saying the right things but not living them out? Spurgeon once said, The power of self-deception in the unconverted man is infinite. And I would add, even in the converted man, the danger of slipping into hypocrisy is always present. We must be vigilant, always checking our motives, our actions, and our hearts. In the end, Jesus makes a profound statement. Before Abraham was, I am. John 8, verse 58. With these words, he declares his divinity, his eternal nature, and his ultimate authority. The religious leaders couldn't handle this truth, and they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. Today, let's not be like those leaders who rejected the truth because it didn't fit their narrative. Instead, let's embrace the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. even when it challenges us. Let us be willing to look at our own lives and see where we might be falling into hypocrisy. And then, let's bring those areas to Jesus, asking Him to transform us from the inside out. Because in the end, the truth will set us free. And that's a freedom worth living for.