What are the sins Jesus condemns? When we think about sin, most of us go straight to the obvious ones: stealing, lying, hurting others.
But Jesus went deeper than that.
In fact, some of the sins He condemned the harshest are ones that tend to go unnoticed—or are so common that we might not even recognize them in ourselves.
These sins aren’t shocking because they’re rare. They’re shocking because they’re everywhere, even among people who consider themselves devoted to Him.
So let’s look at these powerful truths together. With love and a desire for our best, Jesus (Yahshua) calls us out of these sins, and He does it to set us free.
1. Hypocrisy and Religious Showmanship: The Danger of Empty Rituals
One of the most powerful themes in Jesus’ teachings is authenticity.
He spoke passionately against the religious leaders who put on a show of faithfulness but lacked love and integrity in their hearts.
They looked great on the outside—saying the right things, giving offerings, and performing public prayers.
But Jesus saw right through them, and His words were sharp.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean” (Matthew 23:27).
Jesus didn’t condemn them because they were religious; He condemned them because they used their faith as a cover for selfishness and pride.
God doesn’t care about outward displays that lack inner truth. He calls us to a sincere faith, where we live out what we believe in our everyday lives.
Jesus challenges us: Are we putting on a show, or are we living for Him even when no one is watching?
(📌 You might also want to read, “7 Deadliest Signs You are a Hypocrite.”
2. Disobedience: The Sin of Lawlessness
Here’s a tough one: Jesus didn’t just call us to know about Him—He called us to obey Him.
He saw through superficial faith and called out people who practiced lawlessness.
In His words, simply declaring “Lord, Lord” wasn’t enough; what mattered was obedience to God’s will.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23).
Sadly, there’s a trend today where some Christians think that God’s law is irrelevant or “too harsh.” They want a faith that feels good, free from boundaries or rules. But Jesus reminds us that following Him isn’t about convenience—it’s about commitment.
Obeying God’s law isn’t restrictive; it’s liberating.
It’s how we align our lives with His goodness and truth. Jesus’ words here challenge us: Are we merely saying “Lord, Lord,” or are we truly living as He calls us to live?
(📌 Also read, “8 Things the Bible Says about the Law of God.”)
3. Greed and the Love of Money: The Trap of the Temporary
Jesus often warned about the dangers of wealth, not because money is evil, but because our love of it can consume us.
Greed sneaks into our hearts quietly, making us forget the eternal for the sake of the temporary.
Jesus cautioned us about the tight grip wealth can have on our souls.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
Jesus understood the seductive pull of material wealth, but He also knew it could never satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. When our focus shifts from serving God to serving wealth, we lose the meaning of life in Christ.
True fulfillment comes from living in God’s grace and sharing His blessings with others, not in amassing riches. Jesus invites us to seek treasures in heaven, not on earth.
What are we working for? Will it last?
(📌 Also read, What the Bible REALLY Says About Money Will SHOCK You!)
4. Faithlessness: The Danger of Doubt
One of the most telling stories about faithlessness happened on the Sea of Galilee.
When a sudden storm arose, the disciples were terrified, despite Jesus being right there with them.
They panicked, assuming all was lost. Jesus’ response cut to the heart of their problem.
“Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26).
Faithlessness isn’t about moments of doubt or feeling uncertain; it’s when we allow our fear and doubt to replace our trust in God.
When we let fear rule, we’re missing out on the peace that Jesus offers.
Jesus calls us to live a life of faith, to trust even when storms rage around us.
Fear and doubt might knock on the door, but Jesus calls us to answer with faith, to believe He is able to calm every storm in our lives.
(📌 Also read, The No. 1 Mindset Christians Need for a Stronger Faith)
5. Unforgiveness: The Poison of the Heart
Unforgiveness is a deadly trap.
Holding grudges and refusing to let go of hurt can eat away at our souls.
Jesus didn’t just tell us to forgive; He made it clear that refusing to do so puts a wall between us and God.
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15).
Unforgiveness is a poison that doesn’t harm the other person—it harms us.
Jesus understood that holding onto bitterness and resentment binds us, keeping us from experiencing the freedom of God’s love.
When we forgive, we release ourselves from anger and bitterness. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing harm but releasing ourselves from the weight of hurt.
Jesus forgave us much, and He calls us to extend that same grace to others.
6. Blasphemy Against the Spirit: The Ultimate Rejection
Of all the sins Jesus addressed, none are as shocking as this one.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is described as the one unforgivable sin. What does this mean?
It’s not a careless word or a moment of doubt—it’s a hardened heart that refuses to acknowledge God’s power and presence.
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:31-32).
Blasphemy against the Spirit is a willful rejection of God’s grace and truth. It’s the sin of denying God’s authority over our lives and deliberately choosing a path away from Him.
Jesus warns us against developing a callous heart that can no longer hear or respond to God’s Spirit. When we resist His Spirit, we shut ourselves off from the life He offers. This is the sin that comes not from weakness, but from a rebellious heart—a heart hardened to God’s love, like Satan’s.
Let’s remain open, receptive, and always humble before the power of God’s Spirit in our lives.
7. Causing Others to Stumble: The Seriousness of Leading Others Astray
One of the most sobering warnings Jesus gives is about causing others—especially those who are young in faith—to stumble into sin.
Jesus uses powerful language here, making it clear just how seriously He takes this responsibility. When He speaks of causing “one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin,”
He isn’t just referring to children but to anyone vulnerable or impressionable in their faith.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” (Matthew 18:6-7).
Our actions, words, and even our attitudes have a powerful influence on others, and Jesus calls us to live with a sense of responsibility.
Leading someone into sin—or even putting them in a position where sin becomes tempting—is something He condemns harshly. Jesus reminds us that it’s far better to remove anything that causes us to sin, even if it means making drastic changes, than to risk being a stumbling block to others.
This isn’t just about avoiding scandalous behavior; it’s about living in a way that inspires others to grow closer to God.
Are we encouraging those around us in their walk of faith, or are we tempting them to turn away?
Jesus challenges us to examine our influence on others with humility, understanding that we are called to build each other up, not tear each other down.
Avoid Sins Jesus Condemns Now
Each of these sins reflects a heart problem, and that’s what Jesus cared about the most. He calls us to live authentically, to forgive generously, to trust deeply, to obey completely, and to humbly submit to God’s Spirit.
Jesus doesn’t just want our good works or words; He wants our whole heart.
These sins shock us because they hit close to home—they reveal how easily we can fall into patterns that pull us away from God.
So, let’s ask ourselves honestly: Are there areas in our hearts that we need to surrender to God?
Jesus doesn’t point out these sins to condemn us but to set us free.
He calls us out of hypocrisy, pride, judgment, greed, unforgiveness, disobedience, faithlessness, and rebellion so we can walk in the fullness of His love and truth.
Will you take the first step toward that freedom today?
