A Kingdom Not of This World
Jesus' Politics: A Kingdom Not of This World
In a world deeply divided by political ideologies, it’s easy to wonder where Jesus would fall on the spectrum—left, right, or somewhere in between. But a closer look at His life and teachings reveals that Jesus wasn’t trying to fit into human political systems; He was introducing an entirely different kingdom.
When questioned by Pontius Pilate before His crucifixion, Jesus made a bold statement:
“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36, NIV)
This wasn’t a rejection of justice or civic life but a declaration of purpose. Jesus didn’t come to reform governments; He came to transform hearts. His politics were not rooted in power, conquest, or control but in love, humility, and sacrifice.
Consider how Jesus interacted with political groups of His day. The Pharisees wanted religious law enforced. The Zealots sought violent revolution against Roman rule. The Sadducees cooperated with the empire for personal gain. Yet Jesus didn’t align Himself with any of them. He challenged corruption and injustice wherever He saw it but refused to let His mission be reduced to a political campaign.
Jesus' politics prioritised the marginalised. He healed the sick, touched the untouchable, and uplifted the poor. He told His followers to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and turn the other cheek. These teachings weren’t politically expedient; they were revolutionary. They still are, even though many ‘Christians’ in America seem to disagree.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) could be called Jesus' political manifesto. In it, Jesus blessed the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers—not the powerful, the rich, or the aggressive. He wasn’t pushing for votes; He was building a new humanity.
So what do Jesus' politics mean for us today? It means followers of Jesus are called to live as citizens of a higher kingdom, marked not by who we vote for, but by how we love. It means engaging in the world without becoming enslaved by it. It means speaking truth to power but never trading the cross for a throne.
Jesus’ politics are radical, subversive, and full of grace. They invite us not to take sides but to take up our cross and follow him…everywhere and to everyone.
In a world deeply divided by political ideologies, it’s easy to wonder where Jesus would fall on the spectrum—left, right, or somewhere in between. But a closer look at His life and teachings reveals that Jesus wasn’t trying to fit into human political systems; He was introducing an entirely different kingdom.
When questioned by Pontius Pilate before His crucifixion, Jesus made a bold statement:
“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36, NIV)
This wasn’t a rejection of justice or civic life but a declaration of purpose. Jesus didn’t come to reform governments; He came to transform hearts. His politics were not rooted in power, conquest, or control but in love, humility, and sacrifice.
Consider how Jesus interacted with political groups of His day. The Pharisees wanted religious law enforced. The Zealots sought violent revolution against Roman rule. The Sadducees cooperated with the empire for personal gain. Yet Jesus didn’t align Himself with any of them. He challenged corruption and injustice wherever He saw it but refused to let His mission be reduced to a political campaign.
Jesus' politics prioritised the marginalised. He healed the sick, touched the untouchable, and uplifted the poor. He told His followers to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and turn the other cheek. These teachings weren’t politically expedient; they were revolutionary. They still are, even though many ‘Christians’ in America seem to disagree.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) could be called Jesus' political manifesto. In it, Jesus blessed the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers—not the powerful, the rich, or the aggressive. He wasn’t pushing for votes; He was building a new humanity.
So what do Jesus' politics mean for us today? It means followers of Jesus are called to live as citizens of a higher kingdom, marked not by who we vote for, but by how we love. It means engaging in the world without becoming enslaved by it. It means speaking truth to power but never trading the cross for a throne.
Jesus’ politics are radical, subversive, and full of grace. They invite us not to take sides but to take up our cross and follow him…everywhere and to everyone.
Posted in Faith and Politics
Posted in Christian Nationalism, Faith and Politics, Jesus and Politics, Evangelicals and politics
Posted in Christian Nationalism, Faith and Politics, Jesus and Politics, Evangelicals and politics
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1 Comment
What a great message Thank you Bill for trying to reach all