Jesus and the Civil Government

The Christian and Civil Government : 

Part 2 Jesus and the Civil Government The Christian and Civil Government

POINTS TO PONDER : 

POINTS TO PONDER The Political World of Jesus. Jesus’ attitude toward the Government. Jesus’ encounter with Authorities. What Jesus taught his Apostles about Worldly Power

Slide 3: 

The Political World of Jesus

The Political World of Jesus : 

The Political World of Jesus Two major political powers . . . Jewish Law Pharisees – conservative theologians Sadducees – liberal secularists Roman Law Kings – The Herod Family Governors - Pilate These Two Political Powers were in Constant Tension

The Political World of Jesus : 

The Political World of Jesus The Jewish World (A Broken Theocracy) Corrupt – Religious leaders had turned Judaism into a system for personal political and financial gains. Hypocritical – Scribes and Pharisees pretended to be religious but were not. Ungodly – Mosaic law was abused and twisted to fit practices (ex: Corban) Wicked – Jesus called his generation adulterous and wicked (Mt 16:4)

The Political World of Jesus : 

The Political World of Jesus The Roman World (A Cruel Secular Government) Slavery – Slavery flourished in the Roman Empire. There were approximately three slaves to every free man. Tyranny – Rulers ruled in evil and in absolute ways. High Taxes – Taxes by Rome were exorbitant. Persecution – Jews were treated as property and had no political say in Rome

Slide 7: 

Jesus’ Attitude toward the Government

Jesus’ Attitude Toward the Government : 

Jesus’ Attitude Toward the Government What was Jesus’ reaction to these evil systems? Civil Disobedience? Disrespect? Political marches? Protests? Vigilantism? No!

Jesus’ Attitude Toward the Government : 

Jesus’ Attitude Toward the Government Jesus’ reaction to the Jewish thinking: Eye for eye, tooth for tooth – (Lex Talionis) Matthew 5:38 Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. Love neighbor and hate enemy – Matthew 5:45 Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Jesus’ Attitude Toward the Government : 

Jesus’ Attitude Toward the Government Jesus’ reaction to disobeying Rome Giving taxes to Caesar: Mt 22:21 Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

Slide 11: 

Jesus’ Encounters with the Authorities

Jesus Encounters with Authorities : 

Jesus Encounters with Authorities With the Jewish Authorities He rebuked them for hypocrisy He warned them of impending doom He preached the Word of God to them Never did he suggest overthrowing God’s theocracy even though the Jews had corrupted it. Mt 23:2 -3 The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

Jesus Encounters with Authorities : 

Jesus Encounters with Authorities Jesus before the Temple Guards in the Garden: He did not resist arrest He did not allow his disciples to defend him He did not fight back Jesus did not try to change the inevitable outcome Jesus rebuked Peter for taking the sword Mt 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Jesus Encounters with Authorities : 

Jesus Encounters with Authorities Jesus before Pilate: Jesus said very little if anything at all He affirmed the truth that he was the Son of God Jesus affirmed that he was a king but not a political king John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Jesus Encounters with Authorities : 

Jesus Encounters with Authorities Jesus before Herod: Jesus does not even defend himself Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. 9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

Slide 16: 

What Jesus Taught His Disciples About Worldly Power

What Jesus Taught About Worldly Power : 

What Jesus Taught About Worldly Power Jesus was not interested in a new social order, but in a new spiritual order--the church. And He mandated the church to carry on the same kind of ministry. (John MacArthur, Civil Government)

What Jesus Taught About Worldly Power : 

What Jesus Taught About Worldly Power Jesus was not interested in worldly kingdoms Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"

What Jesus Taught About Worldly Power : 

What Jesus Taught About Worldly Power Worldly greatness is not part of Christ's kingdom. Matthew 20:25-26 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. "Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.

What Jesus Taught About Worldly Power : 

What Jesus Taught About Worldly Power Jesus told Pilate that His Kingdom was Spiritual John 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.“ . . . For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Conclusion : 

Conclusion Jesus was born into a very wicked world. Jesus did not advocate an overthrow of government. Jesus showed that his kingdom was spiritual. Jesus would not allow Peter to defend him. Jesus kingdom is NOT of this world.

Questions : 

Questions What was the Jewish world like in Jesus’ day? What were some of the problems with Roman rule? Did Jesus encourage his followers to revolt or march against the evil governments of his day? What did Jesus say about “eye for eye” thinking? How does one become great in God’s kingdom? What did Jesus tell Pilate about his kingdom?