Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Matthew 23:25-38.

 Jesus uses the word “hypocrites” to describe his adversaries. The word comes directly from Greek. The prefix hypo means “under” and krites, “to judge”—the same root as yesterday’s word eilikrineia. A hypocrite originally meant an actor—someone who “judges under another character.” Later it came to mean a “pretender” and what we would come to understand as a hypocrite.

It is the sin that Jesus denounces the most. Words speak of holiness, goodness, worship, etc., but the real thinking that flows “under” is pride, arrogance, lying and pretense. Apparently, God is first, but really, the self is number one. Two commandments are violated—idolatry and false witness.

As you read the “woes,” is there any “under” areas of you that are false? As in yesterday’s reading, lift yourself up to God’s light.

Matthew 23

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “What you see is what you get.” v. 23

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Matthew 19 to 28.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.