Apolitical

Scripture Reading: John 18:33-38 NASB95 Therefore, Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” [34] Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?” [35] Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?” [36] Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” [37] Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” [38] Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”

Jesus lived in a time of great political stress. The politics in Judaea during the time of Jesus’ ministry were very polarized. There was the occupying Roman force, the freedom-seeking zealots, the religious leaders (who loved control), and the Jewish “traitors” who cooperated with the Romans. Jesus was a popular person in the land, and people wanted to know where He landed on the political scale. In fact, His own disciples continued to believe that Jesus was about to take control and reestablish David’s Kingdom. (They were inquiring about Jesus’ political future even after the resurrection)

When Jesus was finally arrested by his enemies, He was taken to Pilate to be judged. Pilate began to interrogate Jesus because he wanted to know where Jesus stood politically. Was Jesus bent on overthrowing the Romans? Was He a political zealot? Did He really consider Himself to be the King of the Jews? Jesus plainly replied to Pilate’s probing questions with a definitive statement: “My kingdom is not of this world.” What was Jesus saying? He was saying that He was apolitical. Essentially, Jesus was establishing the fact that His cause (the salvation of mankind) superseded the political causes of not only Judaea but all the kingdoms of this earth.

What can we learn from Jesus’ apolitical position? Simply this: The Mission of the Church, which is to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of Christ, is of greater consequence than the politics of the day. The danger of contemporary politics (for Christ Followers) is that for many it becomes their “cause.” In some cases, that I have observed, politics can become idolatry. I do believe that a moral government is of great benefit to the general population; and I cast my vote for, what I believe, to be the best moral choices. However, my “real” citizenship is with "The" Kingdom that is not of this world. I am an ambassador of that Kingdom and I have been commissioned by the King, Himself.

Questions to Consider:

1. Should Christians vote?  (How involved should Christians become with the politics of the day?)
2. Why is the Christian cause greater than any political cause?
3. How can a commitment to the political process interfere with our Christ given mission?

​Author’s Note: When I write something that I know will stir up the emotional opinions of others, I feel somewhat compelled to explain myself further. My observation of politics has led me to believe that there are two types of governments in this world: 1) Bad, and 2) Even Worse. (I try to vote against the “even worse” politicians) Am I cynical? Maybe…but the adage about absolute power corrupting absolutely seems to be lived out in real-time repeatedly. I am “OK” with all the nonsense because this world is not my home; and last I checked, Jesus is still the way, the truth, and the life. Years ago, I was asked to consider running for public office. I prayed about it and decided that a life of politics was not for me. I have not been called to be a “Daniel,” but I earnestly pray for those who have!

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