Bible Reading Blog
“Fake News”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Matthew 28
“[the chief priests and elders] said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” (Matthew 28.13-14)
Forget what ACTUALLY happened. If Jesus came back from the dead, that is the worst possible scenario for these religious leaders (John 11.48). So, that’s not the story many people heard. Imagine the confusion as people tried to reconcile the resurrection story with the message of the religious leaders—one they thought could be trusted. Surely, they weren’t making this up… right?
I don’t need to convince you the same thing happens today. We live in a world riddled with “fake news” as people craft a narrative to serve their purposes. Sadly, even the church is not immune to these things. People will come in as a wolf among sheep, leading people to believe their lies (Matthew 7.15). Hence, the bible calls us to be people of discernment and wisdom (Proverbs 3.21-24; Colossians 2.8; Romans 12.1-2; Hebrews 5.14; 1 John 4.1). This principle must be applied to every area of our lives because…
Not everyone has pure motives. Some people serve their own interests. They are only interested in using people to accomplish their selfish goals. Maybe their agenda seems noble, but their motives will be revealed over time (1 Timothy 5.24-25). We must not be naïve to accept someone simply because of what they claim to know or to be. It is true, we cannot judge the thoughts of someone’s heart, but we can test their words and actions according to God’s word. We must be like the Bereans who didn’t accept Paul at his word – “they searched the scriptures to see if these things were so” (Acts 17.11).
Even the truth can be undermined by someone with authority. For good or bad, people are more willing to accept the word of a leader. Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s respect. It appears right to accept what the ‘experts’ say. In any case, their position affords them the opportunity to take advantage of people even when the truth is present. “Do not be deceived” is the constant warning in scripture. Follow where the evidence leads, not where someone tells you to look.
Not everyone has good information. Even people with good hearts don’t always know the truth. Apollos was zealous to teach, but he didn’t have the full story (Acts 18.24-28). Paul was caught up in Jewish tradition before having his life rocked with the truth by Jesus, himself (Acts 9.1-19). We need to follow Luke’s example and search out the truth for ourselves (Luke 1.1-4). It’s easy to accept information that speaks to my point of view; but we need to be mindful of what we’re looking for. In a world that promotes “speaking your truth”, we need to be firmly rooted in honesty, humility, and a commitment to pursuing what is true.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8.32)
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2.8, NKJ)
