“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (Luke 12:1)

Jesus is cautioning his disciples not to follow the example of the Pharisees who make a show of piety and reverence, but whose actions do not live up to their words.  He goes on to say, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” (Luke12: 2) If our actions differ from our words of apparent good, God will know.     

Jesus sets out seven examples of hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 where he says everything they do or say is for people to see and hear while failing to really love or serve others.  He accuses them of neglecting justice, mercy and faithfulness. 

The seriousness of this conduct is reflected in the words Jesus uses to describe the Pharisee’s actions.  He refers to them as, “You snakes! You brood of vipers!  How will you escape being condemned to hell?” (Matthew. 23:33)

We can probably think of examples when we have not lived up to our words.  I can think of times when I stated that I would be available to serve someone, but when the time came, I wasn’t available due to another need that I could have probably postponed.   

As Jesus says, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ mean ‘No.’  Anything more is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)

Can you think of times when your actions did not live up to your words?