What does John 18 teach us about hypocrisy in religion?

In John 18, we observe the religious leaders exhibiting profound hypocrisy by condemning Jesus while being meticulous about their ceremonial laws. They refused to enter Pilate's judgment hall to avoid defilement, yet they were orchestrating an unjust trial against the innocent Christ. This illustrates a key theme of reformed theology: the danger of external religion devoid of true faith. Christ rebukes such hypocrisy, drawing attention to the internal corruption that often lies beneath the surface of outward religious observance. This serves as a stark warning for believers to examine their hearts and ensure that true faith reflects in both belief and action.