Living Without Masks (02.19.2006)

JESUS’ DISCIPLES: PEOPLE WITHOUT MASKS
Read John 1:43-48 about Nathaniel’s first encounter with Jesus

• What does Jesus react to in v. 47?
  - Nathaniel’s honesty.
  
• Is Jesus’ reaction positive or negative?
  - It's positive -- he commends Nathaniel for his honesty.

Read Matthew 20:20-21 about the request made by James and John

• What do you think of their request?
  - It seems brazen, bold, presumptuous, out of line
  
• What’s the tone of Jesus’ response – irritated or patient? Why?
  - He's patient because he appreciates the honesty and forthrightness of the request

What common characteristic do these passages reveal about the disciples?
- The disciples were unassuming people, very honest and upfront about their thoughts and feelings.

Look at Simon in Luke 7:39: “When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.’”

• How does this behavior differ from the disciples’ typical behavior?
  - Simon kept his thoughts to himself; he did not share them with others.
  
• Why is Simon silent (keeping his thoughts to himself)?
  - Wanted to keep up appearances; didn't want to open himself up to being rebuked by Jesus!

Why is honesty or forthrightness so important to Jesus?
- Jesus was Truth incarnate. The Gospel is about our being honest about our sins and our need for salvation, and being forthright with God in confessing those sins.

MANIPULATION: PUTTING ON MASKS TO GET OUR WAY
Read Matthew 22:15-18 about the Pharisees complimenting Jesus

• What positive character quality do the Pharisees see in Jesus?
  - His honesty.
  
• Why are they complimenting Jesus?
  - They are setting Him up in an attempt to trap Him in His own words.
  
• What’s the irony here?
  - They are being dishonest while complimenting Him for His honesty!

The word “hypocrite” comes from the Greek word for “actor” – hupokrites. Greek actors were all male, and they wore masks to represent their various roles. What they looked like on the outside was not what they were on the inside. A hypocrite (in Jesus’ usage of the term) is a person who lacks integrity. People with integrity are the same on the inside as they are on the outside.

“NICENESS” VS. HONESTY
Read Luke 11:37-45, 53-54 about Jesus at dinner at a Pharisee’s home (again)

• What are some the things Jesus is angry about?
  - The Pharisees' legalism
  - The Pharisees' focus on external matters over internal matters
  - The importance Pharisees place on good seats in the synagogues
  
• How do Jesus’ words to the Pharisees complement (go with) how he says them?
  - His words and tone reflect His anger
  
• How does Jesus’ audience feel? Why?
  - They feel insulted because they were "called out" by Jesus.
  - What He said was true, and He pointed it out to everybody.
  
• What is their final response to Jesus’ honesty?
  - They plan to seek revenge against Him.

TABLE TALK:

• People always knew where they stood with Jesus due to his honesty. If we are to be just as honest with others at all times, must we always say what’s on our minds? Why or why not?
• How do we usually respond when others are honest with us about a problem in our lives? What does that reveal about us?

PRAYING GOD’S WORD
Use the following passages to pray God’s Word back to Him, either on your own or with others:

With the tongue I praise You, Father, and with it I curse others, who have been made in Your likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing – and this should not be, Lord. (James 3:9-10) Father, may integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. (Psalm 25:21) May I never come near to You with my mouth and honor You with my lips, but have a heart that is far from You. (Isaiah 29:13) Lord, give me wisdom from heaven – the wisdom that is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17)

BEING THE REAL DEAL
Here are some ways to apply this message from God’s Word:

• Examine the relationships in your life. Are there any in which you are wearing a mask? Are you being somebody different on the outside than you truly are on the inside? Why? What changes need to be made so that you are living with integrity?
• Ask someone who knows you closely if they have observed you with a “mask” on in your relationships with others. Since we may not be aware of our own masks, input from an eyewitness is a good way to find out if we’re using them.