This passage continues Jesus' teachings on kingdom living. Jesus is teaching about how the members of the Kingdom (Christians) will live. The way they live will be seen by the world around them.
The subject of this section is indicated plainly in the first verse: hypocracy. Hypocracy is simply acting differently than what we are. It is one of the most dangerous things in the Kingdom, and is to be constantly guarded against.
The first comment Jesus makes regarding hypocracy is that it is foolishness. All things will be revealed anyway; there is nothing hidden from God. Why act in this way?
Jesus further elaborates that hypocracy is borne from a fear of men's faces. Do we want to play down our relationship with Jesus? Do we want to fit in? Jesus reminds us not to have any fear of men; they can only harm our physical well-being, but they have no power over the soul. Fear, specifically the fear of man, is a danger that leads to hypocracy.
How can we avoid hypocracy? By fearing God, rather than man! We must reverence Him and trust Him. We're reminded that we can trust Him, as He takes care of the sparrow and knows the number of the hairs on our heads. He is kind, loving, and trustworthy. We have great value to Him ("more than many sparrows") because of Christ's work. Christ has brought us near and we have been adopted as sons.
In verse 8, we see that Christ will own His people before the angels. This is not in some future life; this is something that occurs now, as Christ guides the angels to meet our needs.
The next section concerns the so-called "unpardonable sin". We are told that you can speak against Christ and be forgiven, but a blaspheming the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. This blasphemy against the Holy Spirit represents an unrepentant heart. An unrepentant heart cannot be forgiven; the self-righteous cannot be saved. The hard heart refuses the Spirit and goes on in opposition to Christ.
Finally, we have a reminder of the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The ministry of the Holy Spirit will help you when you are in a situation where you need to give an account of your faith. Yield to the Holy Spirit; He will lead you into open confession, not hypocracy!
Finally, we have a reminder of the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The ministry of the Holy Spirit will help you when you are in a situation where you need to give an account of your faith. Yield to the Holy Spirit; He will lead you into open confession, not hypocracy!
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