a professed
teacher of divine truth; and to be at once a "lawyer" and a "hypocrite,"
is to merit these solemn woes which fell from the lips of Christ. So
enraged were his hearers that they threatened him with physical violence.
Hypocrites hate to be exposed. Wise men are glad to be warned and to
repent before it is too late. He who spoke these bitter words of rebuke is
ready to pardon and to purify and to lead his followers in the paths of
service and of peace. Vs. 52-54.

9. Faithful Testimony Encouraged. Ch. 12:1-12

1 In the mean time, when the many thousands of the multitude were
gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he
began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the
leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 But there is
nothing covered up, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that
shall not be known. 3 Wherefore whatsoever ye have said in the
darkness shall be heard in the light; and what ye have spoken in
the ear in the inner chambers shall be proclaimed upon the
housetops. 4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them
that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5 But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he
hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you,
Fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pence? and not one
of them is forgotten in the sight of God. 7 But the very hairs of
your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are of more value than
many sparrows. 8 And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess
me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the
angels of God: but he that denieth me in the presence of men shall
be denied in the presence of the angels of God. 10 And every one
who shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be
forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy
Spirit it shall not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you before
the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not
anxious how or what ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 for
the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to
say.

When Jesus had bitterly rebuked the public religious teachers of his day
he turned to his disciples and spoke words of cheer which have
strengthened his followers in all days. Such encouragement was needed; the
bitte