Exposed

Luke 12:1-3 (The Message)

By this time the crowd, unwieldy and stepping on each other's toes, numbered into the thousands.

But Jesus' primary concern was his disciples. He said to them, "Watch yourselves carefully so you don't get contaminated with Pharisee yeast, Pharisee phoniness.

You can't keep your true self hidden forever; before long you'll be exposed.

You can't hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known.

You can't whisper one thing in private and preach the opposite in public; the day's coming when those whispers will be repeated all over town.

Last week saw the demise of another famous politician.

The National Enquirer exposed former vice-presidential candidate John Edwards in an extra-marital affair.

In a fascinating moment of authenticity, he said that his "poor decision-making" was related to huge "narcissism and egoism." Basically, he started to believe his press.

He was insulated from reality, he stood in front of cheering crowds and saw his face all over TV, the internet and magazines. He thought he was untouchable, and that he would get away with it.

It wasn't so different with the Pharisees.

They were important. The people put them on pedestals. They were untouchable.

Jesus' disciples were starting to become susceptible to the very same problems. The crowds following them were huge. They were insiders with the celebrity.

Jesus wanted to burst his disciples' bubble...before it could ever form. "Don't get contaminated with Pharisee phoniness...you'll be exposed."

What about us?

Former Vice-Presidential candidates, ancient Pharisees, Jesus' disciples...you and me.

We all have a capacity to temporarily fool ourselves. We all have egos that are susceptible to praise and glory. We all have narcissistic streaks.

What can save us?

Perhaps a new identity...as redeemed Jesus followers. Followers of a man who loved us enough to lay his life down for us. Knowledge and memory of the great sacrifice made on our behalf...and relationship with the one who sacrificed, has the power to keep us humble in the best of ways.

Almost without exception, when I talk with church members who assist in serving communion...they come back to the same word over and over: "I was humbled."
May Jesus burst our bubbles every single day.

Prayer: Remind us of your love...sacrificial, and unconditional. Remove any pedestals and show us the path of Christ.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.