Another misinterpretation. The intent, I believe, was that performative works are meaningless self-aggrandizement. Think of all those high society charity events. They're good PR. Most of the money never finds its way to the charity. The PR is the point.

The performative is its own reward. Works done in faith is the point. It's about works reflecting the God who is love into the world which are not done for self aggrandizement, but for the genuine benefit of those in need. That is the intent of the lesson; so says Dr. Mickey Efird, former Professor Emeritus of the Duke School of Divinity (among many other reputable and thoughtful biblical scholars)