We as Believers often complain about the moral values of our country.  We also realize that much of our moral decline can be traced to the policies that are enacted and come directly from our elected officials.  However, many well-meaning Christians are not involved with politics. …. often citing what Jesus told His early disciples…..”my kingdom is not of this world.”  (John 18:36).  Therefore, they feel God’s hand is in everything that happens both in this world and the next.  So why worry??

I recently purchased a book entitled “Jesus Was Involved in Politics” by Neil Mannon, a preacher, teacher, and computer engineer. 

I was rather anxious to know how Dr. Mammon was going to treat this subject.  I always believed that the Lord shied away from the politics of His day. The Romans had successfully invaded and maintained a strong military hold on Israel.   I mistakenly understood that the Lord was speaking spiritually and not politically.  However, after reading Dr. Mammon’s book I am changing my mind.

                                                                First
Jesus and the Coin.  “Render Under Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.”  (Luke 2025). The coin belongs to Caesar and the image on the coin was Caesar’s head.  Jesus is telling his disciples that they should pay Caesar his tax.  But because they are disciples of God then they must bear God’s image on them.  You and I must pay our taxes to “Caesar”, but we are stamped with God’s image.  We submit to an earthly authority here in this world, but we bare the stamp of “God’s coin” on our hearts.

                                                                Second
Jesus spoke out against the tyranny of the political leaders of His day.  The official court of Israel was the Sanhedrin.  It was composed of the leading officials of the day. These were the Pharisees, Sadducees, lawyers, and scribes.  The Sadducees controlled both the temple and the Sanhedrin.  Jesus was constantly condemning these officials. It was the Romans who actually controlled the High Priests and his assistants.  They must “play along” with the Romans to stay in power.  Jesus was getting involved with politics!  He spoke out against those who controlled the religion of the people.

                                                                Third

God judges a nation. The Kings and their Roman officials lead the people into idolatry. A few remained steadfast and ended up on the cross.    So, look around you.  What is happening in our country today.  Will God spare us?

Believers and followers of Jesus must take a stand.  Do we uphold the standards of scripture? What was wrong a thousand years ago, is still wrong today.  God doesn’t change.

                                                Yes, Jesus was a politician. He took a stand.

                                                                Can we do any less?