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

References

References
1Matthew 7:15-20 MSG
2Matthew 7:15 NLT
3Matthew 15:8-9 NLT
4Matthew 15:9 MSG
5Matthew 7:21-23 NLT
6Luke 6:39-40 MSG
7Matthew 7:13-14 MSG
8Luke 9:23 NLT
9John 4:23 MSG