Luke 6:1-5
Suggested further reading: Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28
Two signs of a hypocrite are: (1) to be overly critical of others while excusing one’s own behavior and, (2) to be overly strict in some minor matter, while being disobedient in a crucial one! In this passage, the Pharisees, out of an excessive zeal, criticize Jesus’ disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath while they themselves are openly disobeying the tenth commandment regarding covetousness. Jesus, who sees and understands all, did not miss the opportunity to reveal the Pharisees’ covetousness hypocrisy (Matthew 23:24).
We must always keep the main thing, the main thing, to have our priorities straight. There are churches that have replaced the preaching of the Word of God with a social gospel, or psychology, or church traditions. Other churches make secondary issues, over which godly people have honest differences of opinion, a matter of strife, while ignoring the basics of faith in Christ, repentance of sin, and living holy lives, upon which all must agree.
Note how graciously our Lord defends His disciples! He did not leave them to fend for themselves. He used solidly Biblical reasons to silence, if not convince, their accusers.
It is comforting to know that Jesus is still defending His people. Satan accuses Christians before God continuously and often with good reason because of our sins. But let us thank God that believers have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, who is ever maintaining the cause of His people in heaven and continuing to make intercession before the Father for them. Praise God, the Father has appointed Jesus to defend us. He is the Advocate who always wins.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
