Actors

John 6:70-71; Matthew 27:3-5

It has always struck me how often actors/actresses struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, and suicide. They spend a great portion of their life pretending to be something they are not. Then, when they are alone, they have to deal with the reality that they are not what they pretend to be. Many of them do not know how to deal with this, so they turn to substances. Truth be told, that is no different than many people who we are around every day. They wear a mask, pretending to be someone they are not. Eventually, they must face reality.

The word "hypocrite" comes from a Greek word that means "to answer on stage" or "to play a part". In other words, a hypocrite is an actor. It is someone that is playing a role that is not truly who they are. There are times when it is good to be a "hypocrite". When we act in a school play, or church Christmas program, there is nothing wrong with it. However, when we live a life pretending to be someone we are not, the lie will catch up with us.

---

“Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.”

John 6:70-71

“Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

Matthew 27:3-5

---

Jesus stated many times that one of His disciples was not a true follower. We see this in John 6, Judas was called to follow Jesus, but he never actually followed Jesus with his heart. He walked with Jesus, even went out and preached about Jesus, but he never surrendered to Jesus. It was all an act. His true self was revealed when he betrayed Jesus for money.

The name "hypocrite" gets misused today. It is used as a stone to throw at anyone who tries to follow God, but messes up along the way. People sin. That is why we need a Savior. Of all the times that His disciples messed up, Jesus never called them hypocrites. Why? Because their sins were forgiven. They had received forgiveness for their sins, but they were still growing in their walk with Jesus.

There are many hypocrites in churches, but it is not the ones who know Jesus as their Savior and sin. It is the ones who claim to be Christians, but have never given their hearts to Christ. Jesus said this Himself in Matthew 7.

---

”Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ’These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

Matthew 7:7-9

---

I cannot know if someone is a hypocrite. I do not know a person's heart. If we looked at Peter at the time he denied Jesus, we would think he was a hypocrite; but he went on to preach the first message on the Day of Pentecost. Judas walked with Jesus, and up until he betrayed Jesus there was no major flaw recorded about him. Throughout most of the gospels, he honestly looks better than Peter. However, God does know our hearts. Judas betrayed Jesus, and then went out and committed suicide. He saw no hope because he did not understand forgiveness and grace. Sadly, his suicide was not the worst part. He eventually stood before Jesus and heard the words "depart from me, I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23). That is the final fate for all hypocrites.

Father, there are many people who go by Your Name, but You do not know them. I pray for their salvation. I pray that they would truly become what they claim to be. It is not my job to identify them, but to preach the word. Help me to be faithful in my calling.