Jesus used the example of how the Pharisees were treating their parents to prove how they were corrupting the Word of God (Matthew 15:3-6). As we come to verse eight, Jesus explains the real problem in their hearts. They were drawing near to God with their mouths and honoring Him with their lips (verse 8). We would say today that they were “talking a good game”. Jesus said that whatever the Pharisees taught you, that do but do not follow or do their works (Matthew 23:3). Why was that the case? These Pharisees said one thing and did another. They attempted to hide their hearts and thereby conceal what was there.
The Holy Spirit, through John, warned about loving in word and not in deed and truth (I John 3:18). Pure religion is caring for those who are widows and orphans. Some today attempt to legislate how you do that. Their solution is take care of orphans in your individual homes. How many who espouse this doctrine keep orphans in their homes. Oh, you do not have to practice your doctrine just “”mouth it” and no one will know the difference. Such conduct is nothing more that pretending to be follower of Christ and working hard to not let others know that you do not have the heart to follow the Savior (I Peter 2:21).
A scribe came to Jesus with these words. “I will follow thee, whithersoever thou goest”. That sure sounds a devoted follower of Jesus, does it not? The implications from Matthew 8:19,20, is that when he knew the cost, he simply turned back. If anyone heard the original statement they may have thought this man was dedicated to the Lord. The man was pretending, he had no desire to follow the Lord. Those of Malachi’s day regarded worship was being weariness (Malachi 1:13). They would show up to go through the acts of worship but their heart told another story. They could not wait for all the events to be over where they could get back to the lives they wanted to live.
Amnon was a son of David. He was obsessed with having his half sister, Tamar. Entering into the picture was a friend of his named Jonadab. The Bible reveals to us that he was a“subtil man” (verse 3). His plan was for Amnon to “pretend” to be sick and get David (their father) to have Tamar come and fix food for Amnon. Amnon pretended to be sick, she came and began to fix food for him. As the events of the day began to unfold there was nothing but heartache and tradegy as Amnon forced his half sister and then had her thrown out. David, the king and father, of all involved was greatly angry but did nothing for two years.
Two solid years passed as Absalom pretended to not care what had taken place with his sister. Two years for hate to grow ending up with Absalom ordering the death of his half-brother. He had to flee for his life to Geshur. For three years David wanted to see his son but made no effort to do so (II Samuel 13:8). Through the efforts of Joab, Absalom was finally brought back to Jerusalem. David gave this condition, that he did not want to see his son. Through Absalom there were three boys and a girl. For three solid years David refused to see his son and grandchildren. At the end of chapter 14, there is a peace between the father and the son,
I say “peace” because that was what was in David’s heart but not Absalom. Absalom in effect stole the hearts of the people (II Samuel 15:6). How could he do that to his own father? He was pretending when Joab brought him to David.
People divide a church and pretend like they did nothing wrong. Oh, I like all those people there. Such language leaves one thinking it was just a personality problem. When you divide the body of Christ that is never trivial. People should quit pretending and admit sin and then be able to get on with their lives. We are to put away lying and speak truth with our neighbor (Ephesians4:25).
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