There seems to be a propensity in humanity to expect things from others we often cannot truly pull off ourselves. Religion is often more consumed with outward conformity rather than change of heart and freedom in conscience. Especially the conformity of others.
God is the ultimate non-hypocrite. He does everything for His own glory. He does this in well-explained terms throughout His Word. And He does this PERFECTLY. There are no wrong motives with God. No mistakes. No impurity. This is not true of human organizers of proscriptions which will help us deal with whatever concern – whatever malady.
Enter the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. They were not new to the cause. They have been present since the fall of Adam and Eve. There were basically two religions in the Garden: 1) worship and honor of the Living God – and (2) worship of self. Satan punctuated this with the words “you will surely not die.” Everyone seems to know better than God.
Scribes and Pharisees live in all forms of religion. They BS us into bypassing the things which are freely given to us by our Creator. Free gifts turned into an opportunity for profit. Sick. Even atheism and agnosticism have their own sherpas, as well as the many other civilized expert guides to truth seeking. They inhabit politics, socio-economic and race shaping, people helpers, world impact experts, as well as religious purveyors of enlightenment.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” – Colossians 2:8
Clarity.
Pages 33-38 in Kingdom: Finding Your True Self examines more deeply the conflict this caused when the Son of God came face to face with the deep hypocrisy of humanity – and our opportunistic leaders.