Living out of Character

Matthew 23:1-12

My son John, a college student with a theater minor, had a part in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
His friends attended a performance and had trouble controlling their laughter each time John
spoke. Afterward they told him, "That was so much out of character for you. You are rarely
serious." Some of the most effective stage presentations come from actors who share the
experience of the character they portray.

The word hypocrite transliterates a Greek word for play-acting. Greek and Roman actors spoke
in a large mask with mechanical devices for augmenting the force of the voice. The actor was a
hypocrite—one who played the part. Jesus leveled his strongest judgment against spiritual
hypocrites—God's people living out of character. Because hypocrisy takes so many casualties in
the Kingdom, Jesus issues this strong warning. Max Lucado calls this "the crackdown of Christ
on midway religion."

I. Playing the Part

The irreligious have no problem living out of character. Jesus described individuals who "sit on
Moses' seat" and handle the Word of God: "They do not practice what they teach" (vv. 2-3). The
Bible outsells all other books each year. One survey of customers at secular bookstores noted the
Bible influenced them more than any other book. Yet the gap widens between reverence for the
Bible and life governed by its principles.

Is your religion for show or for real? Do you serve God to be seen by others? I still remember
from my youth a businessman who left our church for one that needed him much less, but "it was
better for business." Playing the part may get you the best seat in the house or have you on center
stage, but "all who exalt themselves will be humbled" (v. 12).

II. Living the Life

Jesus calls us to live the life of genuine discipleship instead of playing the part. "But you..." (vv.
8-12) contrasts with the hypocritical character pictured in verses 2-7. Anthony Munoz, former
Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman and three-time NFL offensive player of the year, rejected
an interview and feature story for Playboy magazine. "It was a decision between me and the
Lord. When you get into what the Bible says you find out what God wants you to do," he said.
"You have one teacher, the Christ" (vv. 8, 10), and his life and word provide the standard for
living the life.

"You are all brethren," Jesus says, reminding us of the "fellowship of kindred minds." Hypocrites
look out for themselves. Christians care for each other, admonish each other, and learn from each
other. Jesus calls us to servanthood: "The greatest among you will be your servant" (v. 11).
Robert E. Lee exemplified the servant who denied self for the sake of others. On what was
probably his last trip to northern Virginia, a young mother brought her baby to Lee to be blessed.
With the infant in his arms he slowly said, "Teach him he must deny himself." If we just play the
part, everything ends when the curtain falls. When we live the life of Christ, the action continues.
(Bill Wittaker)