In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus had much to say about what hypocrites did and also taught how His disciples should do the opposite!
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.Matthew 6:5-6
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.Matthew 6:16-17
In the above passages, Jesus gave examples of how hypocrites operate:
First, hypocrites’ giving is to gain the applause of men. They want to have immediate satisfaction and be rewarded by getting people’s attention. A hypocrite may act right but their intention and motives are selfish, and they are looking to gain something!
Hypocrites also make a show out of their prayers to show their spiritual prowess. They stand in visible locations and pray, so that others can see them and notice them. Praying in visible locations can also make one look spiritual, mature, and dedicated. On the contrary, Jesus told us to go to the privacy of our rooms and pray to the Lord. We want want to have a relationship with the Father and it is not a show.
Hypocrites also like to advertise their fasting to others and show that they are making a sacrifice.
All of the above examples have one thing in common. It is about being seen and being applauded by others. This is directly related to fear of man, and the need to get the approval of man and being impressive. All of these individuals got an immediate reward by getting the applause of man, but they really weren’t doing it for the Lord. They had selfish intentions.
I wonder if we were to examine our givings, prayer, and fasting, how many times have we have done it to look impressive or get the applause of man!? Nowadays, with the use of social media, it is even more tempting to post something about what we are doing. People tend to blow the trumpet and tell about the things they do. Based on what Jesus taught about the hypocrites, we should be careful about what we choose to advertise to the world.
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