Have you ever wondered the purpose of a hidden agenda? Why can’t people simply be real and authentic. Instead, they lie, deceive, and plot to obtain what they desire most. We see hidden agendas at the doctor’s office. We desire to feel better, but we receive prescriptions that fix one thing while causing another problem. Let’s not forget prescription glasses. The doctor says, “wear glasses.” Although we believe our eyes will improve, we soon discover decreased vision and the need for a new pair of glasses. Oh, let’s not forget the politicians who tell us one thing before the election. Yet, the outcome is far removed from the campaign promise. Therefore, hidden agendas abound.
The Story: John 12
In John 12, we see Mary prepare Jesus’ body for his death. She pours expensive perfume on his feet and wipes them with her hair. Her authentic action brought scrutiny from Judas, but Jesus provided clarity. As the religious leaders learned of His presence, they had a hidden agenda and desired to kill Lazarus because he was a living testimony of who Jesus was.
The religious leaders failed to realize that Jesus had a hidden agenda. Their eyes were closed to the truth of who He was. They couldn’t grasp that He was the Living Word in the flesh. While they desired to kill Him to stop His agenda, they didn’t realize that His death and subsequent resurrection would be the fulfillment of scripture. They were oblivious to the fact that Jesus came to save the lost, which could only occur with their plan to kill Him. However, God controlled the time when that would occur and the following events.
The Lesson
As we see, agendas are not uncommon. To survive a hidden agenda, we must ensure that we’re on the correct side. Whose side will we choose: ours or Jesus? If we choose our own, then we’re prey to the agendas of others. Unfortunately, people aren’t always transparent about their plans. Yes, we can rely on human understanding and knowledge, but there’s no guarantee that either will help with uncovering the agenda. Keep in mind that this way of handling hidden agendas is contrary to God’s way. Isaiah 55:8-9 reflects that we’re not qualified to decipher on this level. Also, Proverbs 28:26 advises of this foolishness we possess when we trust in ourselves. Nevertheless, the choice is ours when deciding how to handle hidden agendas.
The right side is Jesus because He gives us the playbook. We have the Bible that provides us with basic instructions for living this life. In addition, the Holy Spirit is available to lead and guide us. We can also keep in mind that Jesus said, “His sheep know His voice and a stranger they will not follow” (John 10:2-3). Therefore, if we choose Jesus, then the agenda is no longer hidden.
