Following Christ in a Modern World

Matthew 9:35–38 KJV 1900

35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Jesus’s main concerns was towards the flock who had been abandoned by leadership and lacking in spiritual guidance.

Here’s how Jesus addressed these concerns:

1. Public Rebuke (Especially in Matthew 23)

Jesus called out the Pharisees and teachers of the law in front of crowds for their duplicity:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:13-36)

He accused them of:

Preaching but not practicing (v.3)

Burdening others while avoiding responsibility themselves (v.4)

Seeking honor and titles more than truth (v.6–7)

Being outwardly righteous but inwardly corrupt (v.27–28)

Ignoring the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness (v.23)

2. Exposure of Heart Motives

Jesus often exposed the heart motivations behind outward religious acts.

Matthew 6:1-5 – He warned against giving, praying, and fasting to be seen by others.

Mark 7:6-8 – He said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

3. Confronting Legalism and Tradition

He corrected them for elevating man-made traditions over God’s Word.

“You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” (Mark 7:9)

4. Use of Parables to Reveal Hypocrisy

Jesus often used parables to expose religious hypocrisy without direct confrontation at first. For example:

Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–32)

Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33–46)

5. Consistent Modeling of Humility and Integrity

Jesus lived the opposite of the hypocrisy He condemned:

He ate with sinners and tax collectors (Mark 2:15–17)

He healed on the Sabbath to show that love fulfilled the law (Luke 13:10–17)

He submitted to God’s will, not seeking public glory (John 5:41)

Why This Matters Today

Jesus wasn’t just exposing hypocrisy to embarass people. His goal was always to motivate repentance and true worship. His challenge to religious leaders was also a call for the people to pursue authentic faith rooted in truth, humility, and mercy.