In the time of Jesus, the Pharisees, as they prepared to go to the temple to worship, were careful in choosing the "mask" they would wear. Among their options, the mask they most favored was the mask of righteousness. This mask gave them a sense of superiority and admiration, as they appeared to be faithfully following every law of God. It was the most prized mask among the religious leaders of the time.

However, Jesus saw beyond the mask and into the true hearts of the Pharisees. He warned His disciples about the subtle allure of presenting oneself as righteous before others, cautioning them that they, too, could fall into the trap of mask-wearing. We see this warning in Luke 12:1:

"In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, 'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.'" (NKJV)

The Greek word for "hypocrisy," hypokrisis, refers to "acting under a mask" or "playacting," similar to how an actor performs on stage. In Greek culture, this term was commonly associated with theatrical performances.

In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a strong condemnation of hypocrisy, calling out the Pharisees and scribes as hypocrites seven times. One notable example is found in Matthew 23:27-28:

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so, you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." (NKJV)

This is the heart of the issue: the Pharisees looked righteous on the outside, but inwardly, they were filled with lawlessness. Similarly, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 5, warning them to purge themselves of the old leaven before Passover:

"Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Corinthians 5:6-8, NKJV)

This brings us to a personal reflection: How are we doing? Do we sometimes put on masks to conceal envy, bitterness, discontent, malice, wickedness, judgment, anger, or contempt of others? Are we guilty of presenting a false image while hiding the true state of our hearts?

Instead, let’s strive to be the “new lump,” unleavened and free from the old leaven of hypocrisy. Sincerity and truth are the opposite of hypocrisy. These are the qualities God desires in His followers—those who authentically seek His righteousness and truth with humility.

There is no lasting benefit to wearing a mask. In the short term, we may appear to be something we are not to those around us, but in the long run, everything will be revealed, and nothing remains hidden. The best course of action, then, is to examine ourselves honestly, identify areas where we may be hiding behind a mask, and come before God with genuine repentance and transparency.

As we approach the Sabbath, let’s pause and thank God for all He has done—His mercy, grace, and countless blessings. Let us gather tomorrow in truth and sincerity, seeking His presence in all that we do, that He may bless both the speaking and the hearing of His Word.