In ancient Greek theatre, actors often played more than one role in the same play. They would hold a mask in front of their face for one character, then switch to a different mask for another. The Greek word for these stage actors was hypokritēs — literally “one who wears a mask” or “one who answers from under a mask.”

In the New Testament, Jesus used this same word when He warned the Pharisees, calling them “hypocrites.” They looked righteous on the outside, but their hearts were far from God. Like actors, they “wore” a religious mask in public but lived a different way in private.

As believers, God calls us to live with sincerity — the same on the inside as on the outside. Christianity is not a role we put on for Sunday; it’s a relationship that changes our whole life.

Scripture Verse (WEB):

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27)

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there areas where I’m “wearing a mask” instead of being real before God?
2. If people could see my private life, would it match what they see in public?
3. How can I live each day with sincerity before God and others?

Prayer:

Lord, remove any masks I’ve been wearing. Help me to live honestly and openly before You. May my actions and words match my heart, and may my life point others to the truth of Christ. Amen.