Matthew 23:27-18
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
To the Seven Thousand.
That word hypocrite from the greek means “actor.” The Greek word for hypocrite is ὑποκριτής (hypokritēs), which originally meant “actor” or “stage player.” In classical Greek, it referred to someone who performed or acted out roles in theater. The word is derived from the verb ὑποκρίνομαι (hypokrinomai), meaning “to answer” or “to interpret,” which was connected to the actors’ role of interpreting and responding to the script.
By the time of the New Testament, ὑποκριτής had taken on a figurative meaning, referring to someone who “acts” in life, pretending to be something they are not—specifically in moral or religious contexts. Jesus uses the term to criticize those who project an image of righteousness and piety while being inwardly corrupt or deceitful. It emphasizes the discrepancy between outward appearances and inner realities.
Today it takes discernment because the actors on the stage of the church have become very good at their craft. You don’t want to be caught up like many of the people who today are just absorbing whatever they hear and see on stage. You want to read the word and get understanding through the Spirit of God. The bible tells us to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. People, even the masses, are often swayed by a good actor. But that is not you. You feel that something is wrong, that although everything that you see with your eyes and hear with your ears, is telling you that everything is alright. You know deep down that the Spirit is telling you that it isn’t right.
I have often heard people say they feel the spirit when they get emotional listening to a sermon or song. That could be. Still, good actors can also evoke those feelings to capture their audiences heart. Your heart is what the devil wants to capture so you can be directed the way he wants you to go. The heart is something we need to protect.
Walk in the Spirit. Seek God’s understanding. Ask for Wisdom, God gladly gives it to those who ask for it. If you want to live a God honoring life you must start on this journey by knowing the love of God. Spend time with Jesus everyday. Sit at his feet and begin to have a close and personal relationship with Christ. Start by fulfilling the greatest commandment love God with all your heart.
Lord, I pray that you will give us wisdom and discernment to know you and your will for our lives. And we will not just listen and absorb the words of “Actors” in the church. I pray we will follow your words, laws, decrees, and commands. I pray that we will not be deceived by the devil. Shine your light into our hearts and minds. Keep us from sin, that we are never grieved. Blessed be your name Lord. Thank you.
At Illumine Ministries we would like to inspire the seven thousand to do great things for God. If you are one, join us on this journey to follow Jesus.
