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Not-So-Undercover Boss

A new hit show is called Undercover Boss. It involves a boss going undercover and working alongside his lower level employees for a week before finally revealing his true identity to them. In the Bible we read of a not-so-undercover "boss."

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth and worked alongside those whom He had created. While on a few occasions He told them not to tell others, He did not try to hide who He was from His immediate observers. He often left them amazed at His teaching and knowing that He had more authority than other teachers (Matthew 7:28-29). He did or told them things that led them to conclude beyond a shadow of doubt that "You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel" (John 1:47-49).

The undercover bosses are often moved by something they learn about their employees and help them in some way. Jesus was often moved with compassion for those who surrounded Him. He "healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14), fed thousands (15:32-38), gave sight to the blind (20:34), cleansed the leprous (Mark 1:40-42), and even raised their dead (Luke 7:12-15). "Fear griped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, 'A great prophet has arisen among us!' and, 'God has visited His people!'" (Luke 7:16).

Unlike some of the undercover bosses on the TV show who cannot accomplish what they expect those under them to accomplish, Jesus demonstrated what He expects of us. He not only told us to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44), He demonstrated it by praying for God to forgive those who nailed Him to the cross and were mocking Him (Luke 23:33-37).

At the end of the week the undercover boss reveals himself to his employees, presents some of the things he has observed during the week, and responds accordingly — all while the employees are still in disbelief. Someday "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for things done while in the body, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10), so don't be surprised when that time comes — there's been nothing undercover about it.

— via The Lakeview Lamp, Hendersonville, Tennessee