We've all done it. We've all had those moments when we've pretended to be something that we're not. Anyone who has ever dated falls in this category during the first six months of a relationship. We become overly impressive (something most people just don't do naturally) in order to attract a future spouse. But, ring the wedding bells, head off on the honeymoon, and a few weeks later, the good impression train gets derailed and we return to our natural selves.
That's just one common example. If I pressed you for more, I'm sure you could fill a sheet, or book with examples of when you pretended to be someone you really aren't just to get something.
What's amazing about the "pretend" game that we play is that we despise those who manipulates us by pretending to be something they are not. We want people to be open and honest with us.
We don't like politicians, because they're trained to be all things to all people while hiding who they really are when the cameras are off and crowds are gone. We don't like bosses who live out of the "do as I say, not as I do" playbook. We don't like that aquaintence who looks through us as they talk to us, pretends to be our best friend in order to manipulate us, then disappears until they need to use us again.
These folks all leave us feeling kinda slimed and icky. I wonder if God feels the same way when we come to church in our Sunday best clothing, yet hide all our troubles from him and live un-Christian-like during the week. I wonder if sometimes God wants to turn and run when we "amen" the message, but decry the worship music or act like devils in the business meetings?
One of the biggest things that attracted people to Jesus (and still does) was that he never tried to impress people. His tactics never included manipulation. He never pretended to be someone or something that he wasn't.
There are some great examples of the contrast of truth vs. pretend found in the way Jesus interacted with those who were supposed to be godly. One is found in John 3 where Jesus interacts with Nicodemus.
Now, I'm not going to necessarily knock on ole Nick, but I think his behavior during their meeting speaks volumes about the Pharisee culture he was from. First, the chapter begins by telling us that Nicodemus came to meet Jesus after dark. Who Nick was trying to hide from we can only speculate. Most folks assume he didn't want his fellow Pharisees seeing him having this particular conversation with Jesus.
Perhaps, he was also trying to protect his reputation with the people. After all, Nicodemus had a status that he needed to maintain above the common folk. Jesus recognized him as a respected Jewish teacher, which tells us that the people looked up to him. If he was seen being taught by Jesus, it might ruin that status, or even call into question his teachings.
Nicodemus also gives us a very important insight into the group he came from. He tells Jesus, "Rabbi we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you." Essentially, Nick confirms to Jesus that the Pharisees know God sent Him. But, the behavior of the Pharisees was one that tried to deny this truth.
This pattern of deceit on the part of the Pharisees really stands out in Luke 20 where the religious leaders question Jesus about where he got the authority to teach what he was teaching. The trick was that they already knew. Here they're trying to cast doubt and to hurl insults.
The stark contrast between these men and Jesus really becomes apparent when Jesus fires a question back at them, but instead of answering truthfully, the religious leaders consider their politically correct option, and spin their answer.
Later in this chapter, they try to trip Jesus up again by pretending to be honest people with a question about taxes.
And, finally the Sadducees do their best to confuse the son of God with a trick question about something they claimed not even to believe in -- the resurrection. What is great about this final story is that their trickery didn't stump Jesus. His answer was so good that the Bible tells us that no one dared to ask him questions again.
Oh, one last note before we leave today's discussion...you remember Nick, the Pharisee who came to see Jesus in the dark. Well, he saw the light, and the Bible tells us that he eventually quit pretending. He was one of the two men who took possession of Jesus' body after the crucifixion. He no longer cared how his interaction with Christ might impact his reputation. All he knew was that he had to stop the lie and live the truth.
That is a great lesson for us.
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