The Life of a Christ-Follower #2 - Hypocrites

"Hypocrite." This word is used a grand total of seventeen times in the entire New Testament — and Jesus is the only one who uses it. (Hint: He does not have a good opinion of hypocrites!) The word Jesus uses is actually a technical term meaning actor. In Jesus' vocabulary, a hypocrite is one who outwardly plays the part of a religious person to perfection, while inwardly having no genuine relationship with the Living God. Some of the toughest words Jesus ever spoke were addressed to the religious leaders of the nation of Israel. Matthew 23 records many of these scathing indictments. It would be a mistake to assume these words only applied to people living 2,000 years ago. Religious hypocrisy is alive and well today. Matthew 23 speaks powerfully to the current religious scene in America.