Rules and Purpose

Confronting Hypocrisy

Personal reflection · Matthew 23:1–36

Write as much or as little as you wish. Every field is optional, and you may stop at any point.

1 / 6

Observe

Jesus uses some of His strongest language, repeatedly saying, “Woe to you.” He criticizes the leaders for tying up heavy burdens for others that they themselves are unwilling to carry.

He employs severe imagery to expose the misalignment. He compares their righteousness to cleaning the outside of a cup while the inside is full of corruption, and to whitewashed tombs that appear beautiful but conceal decay.

Jesus contrasts their leadership with His own. He points out that while they place burdens on others, He washes feet, serves, and carries the cost of the mission Himself, demonstrating that authority is responsibility.

What stands out to you about Jesus’ response in this situation?

2 / 6

Reflect

Respond to any of these questions — or none.

Where is there a gap between what I say I value and what my actual behavior demonstrates?In what areas do I ask others to carry burdens I avoid?Have I become more interested in being seen as aligned with the mission than in actually being aligned?

3 / 6

Examine

What assumptions, motives, fears, expectations, habits, or pressures may be influencing how you see this situation?

4 / 6

Pray

Ask God to show you where your leadership might be more concerned with appearance than with reality.

Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity about what you may be overlooking.
Bring the people affected by this decision into prayer.

What do you want to bring into prayer?

5 / 6

Discernment pause

A brief pause to slow the decision down.

What do I know to be true?
What am I assuming?
Who is affected?
What may be influencing me?
What would alignment require?
What deserves prayer before action?

What needs further discernment?

6 / 6

Apply

Carry it forward

Where is there a gap between what you or your organization say you value and what your actual behavior demonstrates?

One step to considerIs there one conversation, action, pause, question, or responsibility you may need to consider next?

Kept on this device as you type.