Scripture reading: Acts 5:27–42

How Would Jesus Vote?

Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to

God the things that are God’s. (Mark 12:17)

 

The culture of Jesus’ day was just as politicized as our own. Passions ran hot even as they do today. Various parties and movements pushed their agendas and sought public support from the masses. Most people felt constrained to choose one of the following four political options:

The Pharisees. This was the right-wing party, the conservatives. They promoted morality and a return to traditional values. Pro-family, pro-Temple, pro-God, they longed to see religion play a much more dominant role in public life. Their political agenda centered on restoring the nation to moral purity and its biblical roots.

The Sadducees. This group was more liberal in their thinking and more tolerant in their morality. Theologically they were quick to embrace more “modern” ways of interpreting the Bible. They felt it was best to just accept the fact that the pagan Roman rulers were here to stay. Let’s work together and coexist. Rebellion would be suicidal.

The Zealots. On the far left of the political spectrum were the Zealots. Their agenda was straightforward and bold: Israel is for the Jews. Let’s overthrow the Roman government and replace it with a Jewish national homeland. Say your prayers and sharpen your swords. If violence is required to make this happen, so be it. The end will justify the means.

The Essenes. This group believed that involvement in the political process was a waste of time and energy: The world was so corrupt the only real hope was to withdraw and live isolated lives of monastic purity. Only the coming of the Messiah would change the world. In the meantime, insulate yourself and pray, and form separatist communities in the desert where you can remain pure and untainted from the sins of this world.

Most people in the New Testament era found their sympathies lying with one party or another. Of course the big question was this: What would Jesus do? With which party would he align himself? Where would his political sympathies lie?

Although Jesus was in almost constant contact with the world around him, he simply did not identify himself with any of the world’s political ideologies. There is no indication that he belonged to any of these parties or endorsed their agendas. His political goals were radically different. Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God. The time is fulfilled. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the Good News (Mark 1:15).

As citizens of the United States, it is perhaps impossible for us to remain uninvolved in the political debates of our time. We have a right and a responsibility as free men and women to become involved and to vote our conscience. But we must never forget that our citizenship in the Kingdom of God is of far more importance than our citizenship in the United States of America. When the two kingdoms are in conflict, our allegiance must always be with Christ and his kingdom. As Peter put it, We must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

 

Pilate may well be the quintessential example of what politics has come to mean. He knew what was right but succumbed to the seduction of his position. In life’s most severe tests of motives, there is a politician in each and every one of us.  —Ravi Zacharias

 

point to ponder • Citizenship in the Kingdom of God trumps every other loyalty.

prayer focus • Christians in government or those running for office.