Ingenious Undercover Employment, Undercover Boss

What Is Undercover Boss?

Undercover Boss is a reality TV show where CEOs go incognito as entry-level employees in their own companies. First aired by a British broadcaster in 2009, the show gained massive popularity in the U.S. and Australia and was later broadcast in Korea on MBC.

Larry O’Donnell, Chairman of Waste Management—the largest cleanup company in the U.S.—worked as a part-time employee, removing vast amounts of trash. For a week, he labored alongside employees, scrubbing animal waste at an amusement park and experiencing firsthand the harsh realities and poor working conditions they faced daily.

Joe DePinto, Chairman of 7-Eleven, the global convenience store chain, also stepped into an entry-level role. He took on various tasks, including stocking shelves, cleaning, and making deliveries across different departments and store locations. While working, he was deeply moved by employees who treated customers with kindness but also observed instances where company policies were not being properly implemented.

In the show, CEOs trade their high-powered positions, tailored suits, and luxury rides for modest work uniforms. As they tackle the toughest jobs in their organizations, they witness firsthand how their policies are applied in the workplace, how employees perceive them, and what practical challenges or inefficiencies exist.

At the end of their undercover experience, the CEOs reveal their true identity to their coworkers. Employees react in various ways—some with regret, shock, or embarrassment, while others express remorse. The CEOs then offer support to employees in need and rewards those who have shown exceptional dedication and hard work.

Why would the head of a major corporation voluntarily work as a junior employee? Because there is no better way to truly understand the struggles of their workforce. To address workplace challenges effectively, these CEOs boldly set aside their authority—a decision possible only when they have a genuine love for both their company and their employees.

Another Undercover Boss

Just as in the TV show Undercover Boss, where CEOs set aside their authority and became junior employees, there was a moment in history when the greatest “undercover boss” appeared on this earth. God, the Creator of the universe, came to this world in human form to save mankind.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

(John 1:10–11)

Who is the “he” mentioned here? The phrase “the world was made through him” provides us a clue. It refers to God, the Creator of the world (Isaiah 44:24).

Yet, when He came to His own people, they failed to recognize and accept Him. The Israelites, known for their devout faith in God, were confident that they knew Him best. They believed in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and took pride in being Abraham’s descendants—God’s chosen people (John 8:33, 39). Yet, why did they fail to receive Him?

In the beginning was the Word, … the Word was God. … The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. …

(John 1:1, 14)

It was because God came to this earth in the flesh, as a man. Moreover, He was not born into a prestigious family of high priest, the Pharisees, or the teachers of the law, who held great influence in Jewish society. Instead, He was born into a humble carpenter’s family (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). At that time, carpentry was not a highly respected profession. The same God who once made the Israelites tremble when He proclaimed the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai now appeared as the son of a mere carpenter (Exodus 20:18–19). Just as CEOs blend in with ordinary employees by wearing shabby work clothes, God set aside His divine majesty and appeared in the flesh as an ordinary person (Philippians 2:5–7).

“How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”

(John 7:15)

“Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

(Mark 6:3)

[T]hey replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”

(John 10:33)

The religious leaders and the Israelites of that time failed to recognize God because their expectations of the Messiah differed from reality. They had been waiting for a Messiah who would descend in glory. Although the Scriptures clearly testified about Jesus, they saw Him as nothing more than an ordinary carpenter’s son. Because of this, they slandered and persecuted Him, ultimately committing the grievous sin of crucifying the very Messiah who had come to save them.

However, there were those who recognized and believed in God, despite His hidden appearance.

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

(Matthew 16:16)

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

(John 6:67–69)

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death―even death on a cross!

(Philippians 2:6–8)

Unlike the majority of Jews at that time, the apostles Peter and Paul responded differently, and their outcomes reflected this difference. Peter acknowledged that Jesus’ words are the words of eternal life and was entrusted the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Paul, by proclaiming Christ in the flesh, gained heavenly citizenship (John 6:67–69; Matthew 16:17–19; Philippians 3:20).

The Undercover Boss Appearing a Second Time

God’s work of coming to this earth in the flesh did not end 2,000 years ago. The Bible prophesies that He will come again in human form.

[S]o Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

(Hebrews 9:28)

Two thousand years ago, God humbled Himself, taking on flesh and setting aside His divine power and glory. The Bible clearly states that Christ will appear a second time in the same way as before. In other words, He will come to this earth in the flesh once more.

Just as CEOs in Undercover Boss worked as low-level employees while hiding their true identities, God, too, has appeared in human form. Another undeniable truth is this: Just as CEOs eventually revealed their identities at the appointed time, God will reveal His glory and authority in due time.
When the undercover boss disclosed their true identity, employees had different reactions. Some felt remorse and regretted their actions, while others were praised and rewarded for their diligence.

The Bible teaches us to be prepared for such a moment. Two thousand years ago, those who accepted Jesus received blessings with joy, but those who rejected Him lost their chance at salvation, and in the end, they were left with nothing but regret.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. … Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son..

(John 3:16–18)

The Bible makes it clear that our response to Christ determines whether we receive salvation or face judgment. Learning from history, we must set aside our prejudices and accept Christ, who comes a second time through the testimony of the Bible.

As it is written, Christ’s second coming will be in a humble and ordinary form. However, if we judge Him only by His outward appearance—just as the Jews did 2,000 years ago—and reject Him, we will ultimately forfeit God’s grace. On the other hand, if we believe the prophecies and testimonies of the Bible and accept Him, we will receive salvation and eternal life.

When the Second Coming Undercover Boss is revealed, whether we rejoice or regret will depend on the choices we make today.

[Reference]

• “Chairman’s Amazing Hidden Camera: ‘Undercover Boss’,” iMBC, July 21, 2010.
• “Chairman is Working as an ‘Entry-Level Employee’,” The Hankyoreh, August 3, 2010.
• “‘Undercover Boss’ Voice Actor Park Myung-soo Needs to Read the Room Fast,” Asia Economy, August 9, 2010.
• “Incompetent Clueless Employee… Could They Be an Undercover CEO?”, Hankyung.com, March 7, 2013.