Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roof”.
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”
Luke 12:1-5
The world appears to offer us much—success, status, money, possessions, recognition, and power. It tells us that if we just play by their rules, keep up appearances, and earn the approval of others, we will be fulfilled.
But something better has come. Indeed, an entirely better way to approach life has come.
In Philippians 3:8, Paul explains it this way: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Jesus is greater than the world. And the rewards He offers us are far greater. In fact, everything this world offers should be considered a loss compared to simply knowing Jesus Christ.
That is why, in Luke 12, Jesus teaches us with an urgent warning: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
Hypocrisy is a life lived for appearances. It is the pursuit of looking good instead of being good, of seeking admiration instead of transformation. And Jesus knew how easily this mindset spreads—like yeast in dough, affecting everything.
And why does He warn us against it? Because hypocrisy is worthless.
Everything done in secret will one day be revealed. There is no lasting value in building an image that will one day crumble, in living for the praise of people when “what is whispered in the ear will be proclaimed from the roofs.” Pursuing the world while pretending not to ends only in loss.
If Jesus is better than the world, why would we chase the things of the world? If what He offers is greater, why would we waste time pretending to be something we are not, striving for recognition that will not last in a world that is fading away?
The world urges us to seek success, status, and reputation. But Jesus calls us to something higher: a life lived in communion with Him for the advance of His kingdom and glory.
Let’s choose the better way. Because something greater has come. And His name is Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live for You alone. Keep me from hypocrisy and keep me from chasing the empty approval of this world. May my life’s focus be on You. Amen.