Hypocrisy implies pretending to be one thing, yet actually being the other. In other words, this can also be described as duplicity. Hypocrisy is not necessarily only found in Christianity. It is dominant even among various other social groupings. Imagine, driving behind a fellow who indicates turning right, when actually turning left? Nothing is as frustrating as dealing with such characters.
Apparently, the story of Jesus reveals that it was hypocrisy that kept Him occupied—as leading to His crucifixion. The existence of hypocrisy is clearly manifest in the fragmentation of Christianity. This is typical among those sitting in comfort of being perceived as right where others would be perceived as wrong.
A person may actually be right where others are wrong. But as long as critical of others, the person projects hypocrisy. The question that ought to be asked is: If the other person commits what is viewed as wrong, whose responsibility would that be? Without hesitation, the viewpoint of a hypocrite states that the one regarded as wrong, carries responsibility.
However, when not a hypocrite, one takes full responsibility on other people’s wrong-doing. This spells reason why Jesus sternly rebuked Peter: “Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men” Matthew 16:23) (NIV).
When carefully analysing what caused Peter to say what earned him such stern rebuke—one sees hypocrisy. Having identified the Christ in Jesus, Peter had assumed being superior to others. But how does Peter’s viewpoint make him a hypocrite? The answer to this question is extremely important, as Peter’s behaviour is common with ordinary Christians.
For Peter to be on Jesus’ side, was it by his own wisdom, or by God’s grace? If by his own wisdom; that would have bestowed responsibility on Peter. True wisdom starts with appreciating that all human beings were created in God’s image. A wise person takes responsibility to help others out of their conundrums.
With that kind of wisdom, the person engages in programs that shed light among the confused. This is as the confusion of others affects the enlightened ones as well. As applying his acquired wisdom, what did Peter do to help those still hooked in sinfulness—according to the golden rule? “Do unto others as you would like them do unto you.”
But, if Peter’s answer assumes that his knowledge came by God’s grace—how then does he have the temerity to condemn those without God’s grace? The captivated rebuke of Peter’s behaviour—by Jesus—reveals comparison between things of God and things of men.
Apparently, the things of men had been projected in Peter’s behaviour. Hypocrisy distinguishes between friends and foes. But hypocrisy can also be found in pretending not to be a hypocrite when actually being one.