But the religious leaders of Jesus' time were hypocritical. However, Jesus was not just criticizing the spiritual leaders of his time. He was warning his disciples that they should never be hypocritical leaders, like the Pharisees. Unless his disciples struggle spiritually, there was a great danger that the influence of the Phariesees' hypocrisy could permeate into their lives and they also become a bad influence like the Pharisees. It is a historical fact and a general tendency in history that most people, who criticize hypocritical leaders of their time, do the same things.
Nobody wants to become hypocritical.
I think nobody is absolutely free from this. Hypocrisy is one of the most serious spiritual problems that we should avoid. Therefore, we should be good examples to others. Unless we grow as sacrificial shepherds and humble servants like Jesus, there is a great danger that we become like yeast for God's children. Look at verses 2 and 3.