Another reason this text fascinates me is the way it is often so quickly used to justify one's political views, and perspectives on faith's place in politics. It seems that regardless of one's worldview, this text has been used to justify it. If you are part of the "Religious Right," you see Jesus paving the way for whatever tactics advance a Kingdom (of God) agenda...and since that Kingdom is not of this world, and this world is hopelesly fallen, it is imperative to replace ungodly leaders with Godly ones, who will more faithfully seek to whip the world (and its laws) into Kingdom shape.
And if you are on the "Religious Left", you see Jesus distinctly separating religious faith from politics...and never the twain should meet. Unless you are an advocate for righting some social injustice, and then it is imperative to lobby and pursue activism in the name of larger social good.
Of course, these are gross generalizations :-)
Does it fascinate you, that when you get down to brass tacks, both "ends of the spectrum" find it OK to be involved in shaping society, via faith-influenced political means, and even mandate it, while claiming that the "other side" is wrong for doing so...or at least, wrong in their intent and their tactics? Hmm....
What if Jesus was not talking about civil politics or worldly power at all, as He addressed those religious leaders of His day who were trying to trap him? What if the issues involved were much LARGER...?
Matthew Henry makes some keen observations about this text, which I find, like the text itself, fascinating. Basically, he notes that amongst this group who go to question Jesus in order to discredit him (or worse) are both Pharisees and Herodians--two groups from the same culture and country, but with almost-diametrically opposed worldviews and tactics on dealing with unwanted Roman authority. Sort of like the religious right and left of their time...sort of. Though to get the full flavor of the political climate, you'd need to toss in some Sadducees and Essenes, and a few Zealots as well. At any rate, what is most intersting is that BOTH SIDES are baffled, frustrated, and left speechless by Jesus. Hmm....
Then, Henry goes on to say: "Christ did not interpose as a judge in matters of this nature, for his kingdom is not of this world, but he enjoins peaceable subjection to the powers that be. His adversaries were reproved, and his disciples were taught that the Christian religion is no enemy to civil government. Christ is, and will be, the wonder, not only of his friends, but of his enemies. They admire his wisdom, but will not be guided by it; his power, but will not submit to it."
I wonder what our political process--indeed, our society at large--would really look like, if more of us (including political candidates and leaders of all stripes) were true disciples of Jesus, and not just "friends" of His. Not just admiring, but faithfully following; not just quoting, but....submitting.
Hmm...
But then, that means making a choice, to put GOD first, above all else, including one's own ambition; and at the very least, always seeking to submit that ambition to Christ and His power, rather than...oh, say worldly powers...like lobbyists...parties...big campaign donors...old friends...corporations...political hacks...public opinion polls....focus groups...what have you.
I wonder...for we human beings...is that even possible? Ever? Really?
I think Jesus was articulating a truth about human nature in this text, which if we accept at face value, will humble all of us. And that truth is this: we can render all we want to "Caesar", but it will never be enough for Caesar, because Caesar's power is ultimately incomplete...corruptible...bankrupt...soul-less, if you will (no matter who, or what party, is in charge); and is therefore never enough to change the world into God's vision of what it should be.
So...as we go to the polls in a few weeks or otherwise cast our ballots, I think we do well to remember that whomever we vote for, and whomever wins...well....don't expect more than what Caesar usually offers. For change we can really believe in...well, that is NOT of this world; and hope that truly makes a transformational difference (in personal lives and entire empires)...that is only found in the One who baffles and silences all opposition, and points to the true Great Society.
Hmm....can I write JESUS OF NAZARETH in on my ballot?? LOL
A Prayer for Worship (based on Psalm 99, and Gene Peterson's "The Message")
God rules. On your toes, everybody! He towers in splendor over all the big names.
Great and terrible Your beauty, O Lord: let everyone praise You!
YOU are Holy. Yes, holy. And perfect, like no one, and nothing else.
Strong King, lover of justice, You laid things out fair and square;
Foundation stones of just and right ways. Holy. Yes, holy.
King of the Universe, only Your wisdom lasts, only Your love saves.
Only YOU are Holy. Yes, holy. And perfect, like no one, and nothing else.
Let Your Spirit of Truth embrace us today, and in the days to come, O Lord,
And me we never be afraid or cease to learn from You.
May Your Holiness touch our lives and burn away our falsehoods and biases, O Lord,
And may we never substitute our version of “good” for Yours.
Come to us, O Lord, in our worship, and in our Lives, in the living presence of Jesus;
Enliven us with true hope; teach us with real authority, equip us with holy power; and never, Lord, never leave us or our leaders only to ourselves!
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