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Chapter 12
1 (
Matthew 16:6
). Hypocrisy Is Like Leaven
—[
Luke 12:1
quoted.] ... Our Saviour presented before the people of that time the
character of their sins. His plain words aroused the consciences of
the hearers, but Satan’s counter-working agencies were seeking for
a place for their theories, to attract minds from the plainly spoken
truth. As the great Teacher would speak impressive truth, the scribes
and Pharisees, under pretense of being interested, would assemble
around the disciples and Christ, and divert the minds of the disciples
by starting questions to create controversy. They pretended that they
wanted to know the truth. Christ was interrupted on this occasion as
on many similar occasions. And He wished His disciples to listen to
the words He had to say, and not allow anything to attract and hold
their attention. Therefore He warned them, “Beware of the leaven
of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” They feigned a desire to get
as close as possible to the inner circle. As the Lord Jesus presented
truth in contrast to error, the Pharisees pretended to be desirous of
understanding the truth, yet they were trying to lead His mind in
other channels.
Hypocrisy is like leaven or yeast. Leaven may be hidden in the
flour, and its presence is not known until it produces its effect. By
insinuating itself, it soon pervades the whole mass. Hypocrisy works
secretly, and if indulged, it will fill the mind with pride and vanity.
There are deceptions practiced now similar to those practiced by the
Pharisees. When the Saviour gave this caution, it was to warn all
who believe in Him to be on guard. Watch against imbibing this
spirit, and becoming like those who tried to ensnare the Saviour
(
Manuscript 43, 1896
).
10
. See
EGW comment on Matthew 12:31, 32
.
16-21
. See
EGW comment on 1 Samuel 25:10, 11
.
35
. See
EGW comment on Matthew 25:7
.
48 (
John 15:22
). God’s Tests Differ
—God’s test of the heathen,
who have not the light, and of those living where the knowledge of
126