Hypocrisy: Part 1 of 2

Preview: Merriam-Webster defines hypocrisy as- A feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; especially the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion. This is the first part of a two-part lesson on the evils of hypocrisy.


Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:13-33.

Memory Verse: I Peter 2:1.

1. In what strong language did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees? Matthew 23:13.
2. Will hypocrites be influenced through evil spirits in the last days, and how will they speak? I Timothy 4:1-2.
3. Who are false teachers and what do they represent? Mark 12:38-40. 
4. What are some of the things we are admonished to lay aside? I Peter 2:1.
5. Who questioned Jesus about His authority as He came into the temple? Matthew 21:23.
6. What was Jesus’ answer? What did He ask them? Matthew 21:24-25.
7. How did they reason it out? Matthew 21:25 (last part), Matthew 21:26.
8. How did Jesus answer them? Matthew 21:27.
Note: Jesus saw nothing in those religious bodies of His day but pure hypocrisy. He condemned them by pronouncing a “Woe” upon them. See Matthew 23:13-16, Matthew 23:23-27. (“Woe”: great sorrow; grief; misery; a cause of sorrow; affliction; trouble – Webster’s Dictionary.)
9. How did the Pharisees try to catch Him in His words? Mark 12:13, Mark 12:15 (first part). 
10. Did He detect their hypocrisy? What did Jesus do? Mark 12:15-17. 
11. How are we instructed of the Lord about alms giving? Matthew 6:1-4.
12. How are we instructed by Jesus to pray? Matthew 6:5-7.
13. Did the Pharisees worry over the disciples of Christ? Why? Mark 7:5.
14. How did He defend them? Mark 7:6-9.
15. How did the rulers feel about Jesus doing good works on the Sabbath day? Luke 13:14. 
16. How did Jesus answer him? Luke 13:15-16.

To Be Continued…

Other Lessons* in this series:

Hypocrisy: Part 1 of 2
Hypocrisy: Part 2 of 2

*Lessons in a series may not necessarily be in the same category.