Hypocrisy

Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:1-12

The conflict between Jesus and the legalists had become open and constant, and the crowds were still thronging in. They had probably never before heard anyone dispute the Pharisees about their phony religious practices. Jesus made it clear the Pharisees were not to be emulated. Their hypocrisy would be exposed. They were wielding their political power on the earth, but they were destitute of eternal relationship with God. They were getting away with it now, but they would not get away with it much longer. The things they said and did in secret would eventually be headline news.

Jesus' statements in vv. 4-5 are very telling in view of the common practice of modern agnostics who ironically like to quote Jesus in matters of loving everyone but who steadfastly deny the reality of hell. Why would Jesus warn people to fear Someone Who could send them to hell if such a place did not exist? The One to fear is not the Pharisee who can have you killed, but the God of the Universe who controls your eternal destiny. And He has only the best intentions for you. He knows everything about you and you are valuable to Him. He's the One Whose standards you should heed.

Those who believe in Jesus will confess Him before men. Why wouldn't you? He is the One Who purchased your eternal life. He is the One Who speaks for you in heaven. Those who deny Him before men do not belong to Him and will have no representation in heaven. In these passages we are reading, the Pharisees and lawyers were denying Him. As they pretended to represent God. Jesus paid for all the sins of mankind. Those who go to hell will not go there for their sins, because He settled that debt in full. There were, however, those in the crowds and in the religious system who so bitterly hated Him that they not only denied Him, but attributed His works to Satan. Only hopelessly evil, unsalvageable unbelievers would do that. The kind who could not be forgiven, because they totally rejected the finished work of God the Son. God forgives sin on the basis of Jesus' blood atonement. God cannot forgive the rejection of His Son.

So, WHEN (not if) they bring you before the religious authorities, remember Who you trust, Who you believe, Who loves you, Who is on your side, Who has your eternity in His control, and be relaxed. Speak what you know. No need to worry. What you know is God's Word, God's work and God's will. You've been learning and storing Bible Doctrine. You've been witnessing miracles. You know the battle is the Lord's. The Lord of Hosts is His Name. The Holy Spirit will bring to your mind and tongue exactly what you should say in that situation. No rehearsal necessary.