Dear GCI Family and Friends,
Was Jesus political in his message and actions? It’s an interesting question for the interesting times in which we live.
When challenged about paying tribute (taxes) to Rome, Jesus wisely stated, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22:21 NLT). I like that he included tithes and offerings for the work of God. But the kingdom he was declaring was more than rules and behavior.
It is informative that Jesus prioritized the announcement of a new, spiritual kingdom rather than to offer in-depth commentary about Ceasar and the Roman government, or the local client kings (Herod the Great and his dynasty). In contrast, Jesus frequently criticized corruption among the Jewish religious leaders. He cited hypocrisy, pride, and legalism as visible shortcomings (unacceptable behavior for leaders who represent the Triune God). The Old and New Testaments confirm that religious leaders are held to a higher standard. Jesus called this out.
Christ’s proclamation about the kingdom of God and its spiritual nature challenged the power of governmental structures and confronted the moral dilemmas of the religious order. The kingdom of God is about people not power. Jesus’s desire is to draw all people to himself and reconcile them to God. This is the heart of the kingdom message and salvific work of Jesus through the incarnation, the atoning death on the cross, the glorious resurrection on Easter and the ascension to the Father, where he awaits his return in glory.
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