Luke 12:54-56
54
He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west,
you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. 55 And when
you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’,
and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the
appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret
the present time?
The hypocrite is full of worldy wisdom. The can recognise the signs to forecast the weather in Jesus day. They might be experts in culture or literature or theology in our day. But they miss Jesus when he is right in front of them. Knowing about culture and literature can be good things, but none of it is a substitute for God himself. Knowing the latest church growth techniques or tips to discipline yourself in the Christian life is not the same thing as a growing relationship with God (although those things may be involved).
Am I a hypocrite? Do I listen to every source of wisdom except God? Do I eagerly receive other people’s opinions but treat God’s word with skepticism? Am I involved in every aspect of church life - an expert churchman - but missing Jesus when he’s right in front of me?
What do I need to do? I should not treat Jesus as the next thing to become an expert in, but to listen to him - not just for information but transformation. To get to know Him, not just to know about Him.
hypocrites series