The Danger of the Mask

*This devo goes along with our sermon series Faith - A Journey through Doubt, which can be watched here

Scripture: Matthew 23:27 (NLT)

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity.”

There’s something sobering about being called out — especially by Jesus. In Matthew 23, He doesn’t hold back. Seven times He calls out the religious leaders of His day, and each time He uses a word that cuts through the surface: “Hypocrites.” It wasn’t a word used in spiritual circles before this. It came from the Greek stage, referring to actors who wore masks to play different roles. Jesus, intentionally and unapologetically, applies it to people of faith who perform externally but are rotting internally.

It’s easy to feel the sting of His words — not just historically, but personally. Pastor Cory reminded us that Jesus didn’t call out sin nearly as often as He called out the show. He had zero tolerance for spiritual theater. The danger isn’t just in doing wrong; it’s in pretending we haven’t, while polishing the mask we wear for others to see.

But the good news is this: Jesus doesn’t reject us when we’re honest. He only rejects the mask.

Faith was never meant to be a performance. It’s a transformation — from the inside out. Real faith begins with humility. When we let God confront what’s beneath the surface, He doesn't condemn us — He cleanses us. He doesn’t shame us — He restores us.

So today, ask yourself: Where have I been polishing the outside while neglecting the inside? Jesus sees it all — and still invites you closer.

Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to wear a mask. I don’t want to fake faith. Search my heart, reveal what’s hidden, and cleanse me from the inside out. Help me live honestly and humbly, with nothing to hide and everything surrendered to You. Amen.