Jesus and Politics

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.'” John 18:36

June 9, 2023

How did Jesus interact with politicians and the political system of His day? The unbelief of the civil authorities in the trial of Jesus exposed the postures of evil (Jn. 18:28-40). The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus executed because of His threat to their position and power. The Roman trial of Jesus revealed several things, one of which was the fact that this world doesn’t get it right about Christ’s kingdom. The Roman governor, Pilate, was concerned only about one thing and that was Jesus being a threat to the political power of Rome. Jesus made it clear that He was not a king purely in the political sense. Rome need not fear a political revolution led by Jesus and His followers. It would be like Jesus saying today, “I am neither a Democrat or a Republican. I represent the Kingdom party, the kind of kingdom into which those enter who have placed their faith in Him. This kingdom comes not by rebellion but by submission to God.” The source of His kingship and authority is in heaven. Though Pilate probably didn’t get it, he was satisfied that Jesus was not leading a political takeover. Some Christians have misinterpreted Jesus, making Him say that His kingdom was only a spiritual kingdom. The truth is rather that because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death at the cross, He would come a second time and conquer the evil world system and establish His kingdom on earth. As followers of Jesus we can live in any political system, speaking truth to this evil world, and boldly proclaiming and praying, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
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