In the New Testament, the Jews were split into four parties, four mindsets for handling the Jewish faith in their context. And, because their faith was tied to monarchy and nationalism, it’s not a stretch to call them four political parties. Take a look at them with me.
The Pharisees and Sadducees were the two big ones. They both held lots of political power and social clout. They both had members of their group in the Sanhedrin (a supreme court).
- The Sadducees were a little more conservative than the Pharisees, and they didn’t always get along. But they had to work together to perpetuate the Jewish nation and faith. This group was a little more complacent with the Roman government who ruled their people and land, as long as that government allowed them continued control over the temple.
- The Pharisees also wanted control over the temple, andwere very focused on the legal aspects of the faith. They were less inclined to play ball with the Romans, though.
- The Essenes, the third group, weren’t as large or influential as the first two, but still had impressive numbers. They were pious, living in community with one another, choosing voluntary poverty and celibacy. They mostly avoided conflict with the ruling Romans, more or less gladto just be left alone. Complacent.
- The final group, the Zealots, were the opposite. They were bent on upheaval and violent overthrow of their Roman oppressors.
So here are your four political groups in Jesus’s day. Everybody thought they had the lock on how the Jewish nation was to be run. Do you see any modern parallels to political groups in our own context?
Ok. Now take a deep breath. Then Jesus came.
Like the Sadducees, Jesus cared about the temple. But, they were caught off guard when he said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it.” (John 2:19). He was talking about himself. His interpretation of the temple was very different than theirs.
Like the Pharisees, he was committed to the Law and the Prophets. But look out. “I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17). His interpretation of the law was very different than theirs.
The Essenes avoided conflict, but Jesus turned heads addressing leaders, authorities, and the ruling class. Conflict followed himeverywhere he went, and he knew what he was saying would stir up trouble. His interpretation of peace was very different than theirs.
The Zealots wanted war, but Jesus spent his time peacefully healing and forgiving. He even healed in the homes of Romans leaders. He replaced an ear cut off in his name. He forgave the soldiers who swung the hammers at the cross. His interpretation of conflict was very different than theirs.
Every political party, focused on their own agendas, own versions of nationalism, and own perpetuation of ideals, was subverted by Jesus’s life and teaching.
The way of the kingdom was not the way of any political party when Jesus walked among them.
The way of the kingdom is not the way of any political party today.
I urge you, Christian, to not make the same mistakes as the groups mentioned here. Consider kingdom ethics. Consider kingdom identity. Consider how they may impact your choices, affiliations, and politics.
A prayer:
Lord, guide your people from life lived strictly between the party lines to life lived fully in the kingdom.
Amen!
“your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10 NIV
Life giving words in the midst of divisive rhetoric all around. Thank you, Pastor Kyle!