Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.
The way of the Pharisees might have been tempting because for a time it appeared to work. In other words, their external personas gained in popularity while their disordered internal life remained hidden. This temptation was not unique to them. The temptation to accept inconsistency or to act without integrity for the sake of results is perennial.
There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Without the wisdom of Jesus we might be tempted to believe that the false facades that dominate the worldly games of power and politics would have the final say. After all, our courts ability to expose such scandal appears limited and the amount of scandal itself seems almost unbounded. But Jesus taught that internal consistencies like these would not be the final word. This is good news for those whose first priority and motivation is the Kingdom of God. But it is not just a word of caution for politicians, but for ourselves as well. It is a call to abandon the leaven of the Pharisees, even when it works, in favor of something that invariably looks more humble and weak, but which is at least consistent and directed toward that which is genuinely good.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops.
Let us note the order. First there is genuine growth in darkness and behind closed doors. But then, what is meant to be next, is a bursting forth into light and a shouting from housetops. Just as the hidden filth of the Pharisees would not remain hidden forever so too must the hidden wealth of the Kingdom not remain shut up inside Christians forever. We can't simply present a façade that is acceptable to the world and keep our treasure and our light hidden. Our light is meant to be shared. And though we fear to do so, no grounds of our fear turn out to be solid.
I tell you, my friends,
do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but after that can do no more.
I shall show you whom to fear.
Be afraid of the one who after killing
has the power to cast into Gehenna;
yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
The consequence of keeping our light hidden is that people who might have been freed from a fate of being cast into Gehenna might not have the opportunity, exposure, or invitation that would have made the difference for them. We are called to be more concerned for their souls even than we care for the life of our physical bodies. Yet we are not called to fret as though it were all up to us. We can take confidence that God himself is vastly more concerned for these souls than we ourselves can hope to be.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows.
The reason God will not permit the hiding of what is within hearts forever is because he desires women and men to be able to thrive, to fulfill the purpose for which their were made, and in doing so discover the deepest meaning of their lives, and, at last, true peace.
In Christ we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
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