Tuesday, November 6, 2018

How Jesus Voted

We all know this story of Jesus saying "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things which are God's. The accounts in Matthew 22:15–22 and Mark 12:13–17 say that the questioners were Pharisees and Herodians, while Luke 20:20–26 says only that they were "spies" sent by "teachers of the law and the chief priests".

Political concerns and troubles with government were not the first things on Jesus' mind.  This situation was thrust on him.  But his answer digs into a wisdom that exposes the pettiness and short sightedness of his questioners.  They wanted a "gotcha," so that they could maintain their place of privilege.  Let's trick him and take his proverbial head to the authorities.  Little Jack Horner visits Jerusalem circa 33AD.

The advantage of their position was that it required no discernment, no real decision, no effort but it allowed them to claim a position of power over others.   It was easy to go along with the status quo. That's how privilege works.  Especially for those near the top.

Oddly these were the same people who yearned for rescue from the very empire with whom they colluded. That was the other part of their challenge to Jesus.  They wanted the benefit of a messianic rescue without having to fight for it.  "Son of David, get rid of the Romans for us!"

Their picture of the messiah's coming was more guarantee than call to arms, more off the hook than on.  So when Jesus doesn't take the bait they double down on their entrapment attempts.  Jesus doesn't let up either.

Jesus' answer to them about marriage and divorce in heaven was just as convicting as his answer about taxes.  This is yours to do, but you have to change your mind and understand the consequences of your actions in a new way.

God's not waiting for you to perfect your earthly existence to be present with you.  Your categories especially the ones that create privileged and under privileged classes are not the standards God defends.  God will not save you because you are clean or righteous or properly aligned with power.  God is God and with you on God's terms.  God expects your gratitude not taxes.  God wants you to help lift everyone up to the privilege of grace and mercy.

Jesus didn't look for this trouble.  He didn't shy away from it.  He doesn't want us to shy away from it either. His response was to call them to turn their eyes toward God.  Seek ye first the kingdom.  Not because it's easier, or good insurance or more comfortable.  Seek so that the world will know more of grace and mercy, of justice and prosperity.

The Pharisees wouldn't let up and Jesus had to close this session with the jewel of his teaching about turning our eyes to God and living as if we've actually seen something of heaven on earth.
 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’

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