Zeal Without Truth
Passion is not always purity. Effort is not always evangelism. In Matthew 23:15, Jesus exposes the dark side of religious ambition:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.”
It’s not a lack of mission—it’s the corruption of it.
I. Evangelism or Indoctrination?
Visual Spotlight:
A Pharisee journeys far and wide to reach a single soul—but not for truth. He binds the convert with chains of tradition.
Color Symbolism from the Artwork:
– The convert is confused and burdened by scrolls
– The path is crooked
– A global backdrop highlights their effort—but not their direction
Jesus isn’t impressed with their missionary reach—because their message was empty.
II. Converting Them to What?
“You make a single proselyte…” — someone who joins your religion, follows your customs.
But do they meet God? That’s the question.
Modern Parallels:
- Converts to legalism, not liberty
- Converts to tradition, not truth
- Converts to performance, not grace
Key Insight: Not all “spiritual growth” is godly growth. Some are growing deeper into bondage.
III. Twice as Much a Child of Hell
This is the heaviest line:
“You make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.”
Why twice?
- Because they’ve embraced a
- Because they now defend it with zeal
- Because they think they’re right—and can’t see they’re lost
Religious deception is hard to escape when you think it’s truth.
Cross-Reference: Galatians 1:6–9 – Paul warns against preaching “another gospel.”
IV. The Danger of Misplaced Zeal
Passion without truth is dangerous.
Effort without Jesus leads to destruction.
They crossed the sea—but never pointed people to the Savior.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
— Proverbs 14:12
We must never mistake movement for mission or followers for fruit.
Point People to Jesus—Not Just Religion
Jesus doesn’t want converts to our culture—He wants disciples of His Kingdom.
The Pharisees worked hard… but for the wrong cause.
True evangelism is not winning arguments or building numbers—it’s introducing people to the Living Christ.
Reflection Questions
- Am I making disciples of Jesus—or just people who look like me?
- What message do people hear when I speak about faith?
- Have I confused religious habits with saving truth?
Challenge for the Week
Look at your sphere of influence—who are you discipling?
Are you pointing them to grace, truth, and Christ—or to your preferences?
Ask God to show you one person who needs Jesus, not just religion—and love them toward the light.