Jesus & the Law – on kings & leaders … (11/16/18)
The ancient Judean Law also mandated the appointment of a political leader (or “king” – see Deuteronomy 17:15a) for the Jewish society; a ruler who was required to be humble and just (see Deuteronomy 17:16-20), and a ruler who was required to be respected by his citizenry (see Exodus 22:28). Of course, Jesus’ non-fond views on politics & mistrust of politicians were themes quite consistently shared throughout the course of his ministry, so it can come as no surprise to see that he had a relatively avant garde take on the Law’s opinions related thereto as well. Consider …
*Whereas the Law made it illegal to curse or otherwise disrespect a communal leader (see Exodus 22:28), Jesus is regularly seen to directly confront &/or be brazenly dismissive towards the same (see Matthew 21:12-17, Matthew 21:23-46, Matthew 23, Mark 14:53-65, Mark 15:1-5, Luke 20:1-8, Luke 20:9-19, Luke 22:66-71, John 2:13-21, John 18:19-23, & John 19:8-11 et al).
*Whereas the Law demanded that the respected ruler – the Jewish people’s “king” – be a fellow Israelite (see Deuteronomy 17:15b), Jesus quite openly stated that a leader’s lineage was essentially irrelevant, instead boldly proclaiming “Give therefore to the Emperor the things that are the Emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (see Matthew 22:21, Mark 12:17, & Luke 20:25), and this regardless of a ruler’s social status or parental heritage.
*Whereas the Law seemed to clearly give political & religious leaders places of honor in the Jewish culture, Jesus repeatedly downplayed the same – himself refusing on more than one occasion to be made king (see Matthew 4:1-10, Matthew 27:11, Mark 15:2, Luke 4:1-11, Luke 23:3, John 16:25, & John 18:37 et al), and openly downplaying any supposed significance earthly rulers might claim (see especially John 18:36‘s “My kingdom is not of this world. For if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. And yet as it is, my kingdom is not from here”).
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