Inside out

Bible passage: Read Mark 7:1-23

I guess that one of the harshest insults we could receive or give is summed up in one word: HYPOCRITE.

Discuss why we find this accusation so hard to stomach.

The word is a transliteration of the Greek word, 'hypokrites', which meant 'play-actor'. It was the word used for the actors in Greek dramas who used to act, holding a mask before their faces, which bore the expression of the character they were portraying. The word has come to signify, a person who professes to be one thing on the surface, whilst being completely different on the inside.

The accusation of hypocrisy by Jesus is recorded 19 times in the gospels. Why do you think he considered it such a vital issue? How easy do we find it to start 'playing a part', and 'wearing a mask' before other people and even before God? Why is it such a foolish thing to attempt?

(Read Mark 7:1-8)
Being holy (set apart) for God and righteous in our conduct are wonderful aspirations for the believer's life. How far are they attainable for us?

Why do you think the religious leaders of Jesus' day, increasingly focussed on these issues in terms of ceremonial rituals and complex washing ceremonies of utensils and hands?

The tendency of the leaders of Jesus' day, to stop applying the commands of God to the heart and mind, but to simply keep them to outward conduct, directly grew out of this practice. Can you possibly work out why?

Can you think of how we may fall into the same trap when we are interpreting God's commands to us? (See Matthew 5:21-22 for an example of how we limit the challenge of God's word to us when we do this).

Look at v6-8. What are the characteristics of hypocritical religion and worship? How could we be in danger of this hypocrisy in the Church of Scotland and in Gorgie Church? Are all traditions and rituals wrong? Explain your answer.

(Read Mark 7:9-13)
Surely the worst hypocrisy is hiding a selfish motive beneath a seemingly pious action. Such a thing is described here: Money being set apart as an 'offering to God' (which is what 'Corban' means), thereby enabling a son to neglect supporting his parents financially. The money did not necessarily have to go to religious purposes that was thus set aside-it was basically a tax dodge, and permitted a child from neglecting responsibilities to parents. Before we are quick to point the finger, can you think of any time when you have used the excuse of Church and serving God as a way of getting out of a responsibility that you prefer to ignore? Why would this seem to be the worst hypocrisy of all?

(Read Mark 7:14-23)
Jesus makes it plain that true holiness and righteousness flows from a sincere heart and values of integrity in the mind. It's not about how things look or appear on the outside, but the inner motives and desires and thoughts from the inside that determines the integrity of our worship and honour of our lifestyle before God.

How can we take steps to ensure that this may be true of us?

Cultivate Heart religion (Ezekiel 36:25-27). How do we do our part for this to happen?

Change our minds (Romans 12:2). Again, how may we help facilitate this work of God?