Jesus Speaks: False Leaders
Jesus visited earth over 2,000 years ago. What He said was recorded by eyewitnesses in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible. This is what Jesus said about fake leaders:
Be wary of [fake] preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook.[1]Matthew 7:15-20 MSG
Beware of the false [preachers] who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.[2]Matthew 7:15 NLT
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.[3]Matthew 15:8-9 NLT
These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it. They act like they’re worshiping me, but they don’t mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy.[4]Matthew 15:9 MSG
Not everyone who calls out to me, “Lord! Lord!” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, “Lord! Lord! We performed many miracles in your name.” But I will reply, “I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.”[5]Matthew 7:21-23 NLT
Can a blind man guide a blind man? Wouldn’t they both end up in a ditch? An apprentice doesn’t lecture the master. The point is to be careful who you follow as your teacher.[6]Luke 6:39-40 MSG
Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.[7]Matthew 7:13-14 MSG
If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way.[8]Luke 9:23 NLT It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.[9]John 4:23 MSG