Introductory Thoughts
Hypocrites desperately desire the praise of men, yet they are unwilling to put forth the right efforts to obtain any legitimate praise. Instead, they choose to elevate themselves by demeaning others. The actions of the Pharisee found in Luke 18:11-13 best illustrate this truth. While the Pharisee was hypocritically thanking the Lord that he was not wicked like the publican, the publican was busy confessing to God how wicked he was. In order to exalt himself, the Pharisee determined to belittle his neighbour thinking that this comparison made him look better. This practice of exalting oneself while demeaning others is as old as man himself. People today choose to inflate their own pride or position by undermining others.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Mary poured some expensive ointment upon the Lord to anoint His body for burial. Judas complained that the ointment should have been sold and the money given to the poor. In reality, Judas revealed his hypocrisy because he cared nothing for the poor; he was simply a thief (John 12:1-8).
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(For everyone): Have you ever sought to destroy others so that you could be exalted in the mind of God or man? Did your unsavoury behaviour prick your conscience? Why or why not?
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Did the Pharisee gain any favour with God by attempting to destroying the publican? How did the publican gain favour with God and go away justified?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you edify others with your mouth.
- Ask God to show you your own hypocrisy.
Song
TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY
