The Politics of Jesus: A Kingdom Beyond This World

One Church Huntington Beach  

Pastor Caleb Clark

September 29, 2024

Powered by Ministry-notes.com

Main Topics Discussed

Introduction

• Welcome and gratitude for attendees.

• Explanation of the series "Jesus, Lord of All," focusing on how Jesus reconciles all aspects of life to Himself.

• Today’s topic: Jesus and politics, a controversial but vital issue.

Scripture Focus: John 18:33-40

• Jesus’ encounter with Pilate: The dialogue about kingship and truth.

• Emphasizing Jesus’ statement: "My kingdom is not of this world."

Part 1: Pilate’s Question – "Are You the King of the Jews?"

• Context of Jesus' ministry leading to this moment.

• Two years of ministry: miracles, teaching, and confrontations with religious authorities.

• Pharisees’ growing opposition, leading them to seek Jesus' death.

• The Pharisees’ strategy: Presenting Jesus as a political threat to Rome.

• Pilate’s question represents the world’s curiosity: "Are you political? What is your agenda?"

Part 2: Jesus’ Twofold Response to Pilate

A. First Response – "No, My Kingdom is Not of This World"

• Jesus’ kingdom operates differently from earthly politics.

• Not established by force or power but through humility, sacrifice, and love.

• Different from Rome’s structures: no need for violence or control.

• Implication for Christians:

• Jesus transcends human political systems.

• We cannot confine Jesus to a particular party or ideology.

• Example: Jesus upholds family values (conservative), cares for the poor and marginalized (liberal).

B. Second Response – "Yes, I Am a King"

• Jesus claims His kingship but redefines what it means.

• He is the "Savior King," not limited to earthly power structures.

• Jesus’ kingship calls for loyalty and allegiance beyond earthly politics.

• The reality of following Jesus:

• It is a fundamentally political act in allegiance to God’s kingdom.

• True discipleship impacts how we engage in society, culture, and politics.

Practical Applications

1. Engage with Politics Through the Lens of Jesus' Kingdom

• Christians are called to engage with societal issues based on Jesus' teachings.

• Care for the marginalized, uphold justice, and pursue truth.

• Avoid being defined by political labels. Our primary identity is in Christ.

2. Avoid the Pitfall of Prioritizing Politics Over Jesus

• Beware of aligning Jesus with a specific political party.

• Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not to any human institution.

3. Act as Citizens of Heaven in an Earthly World

• Like a traveler in a foreign land, we represent the values and principles of God's kingdom.

• Let our engagement in politics reflect our identity as citizens of heaven.

Conclusion

• Challenge: Choose Jesus over earthly political affiliations.

• Jesus’ encounter with Pilate reminds us that He is more than a political figure; He is the Savior King.

• As we head into political seasons, let our loyalty be to Christ alone.

Closing Exhortations

1. Do Not Be Political in the Worldly Sense

• Your identity is found in Christ, not in political parties.

• Focus on what Jesus cares about: love, justice, and truth.

2. Be Political in a Kingdom Sense

• Engage with the world’s issues, but from the perspective of Jesus' teachings.

• Allow the Lordship of Christ to influence how you approach political matters.

3. Choose Jesus Above All

• Don’t be swayed by the voices that demand loyalty to earthly kingdoms.

• Reaffirm your commitment to the Savior King.

Biblical References 

• John 18:33: "Are you the king of the Jews?"

• John 18:34: "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?"

• John 18:35: "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?"

• John 18:36: "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting that I might not be delivered over to the Jews, but my kingdom is not from the world."

• John 18:37: "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."

• John 18:38: "What is truth?"

• John 18:39: "But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?"

• John 18:40: "Not this man, but Barabbas!"

Reflection Questions

1. How does Jesus' claim that His kingdom is "not of this world" challenge your current understanding of power and authority in your life?

2. In what ways might you be tempted to align more with a political ideology than with the teachings and values of Jesus?

3. How can you ensure that your engagement in politics reflects the values and principles of the kingdom of God rather than worldly divisions?

4. How does Jesus' response to Pilate encourage you to find your primary identity in Christ rather than in any earthly system or label?

5. How might Jesus' example of sacrificial leadership inform how you approach political and social issues in your community?

Daily Activities 

1. Aligning Identity with Christ

• Activity: Examine Your Political Identity

• Application: Reflect on your political beliefs this week and consider how they align with the teachings of Jesus. Ask yourself if there are any areas where you've allowed your political identity to overshadow your identity in Christ. Take time to pray and ask God to help you prioritize His kingdom over any earthly political affiliation.

2. Engaging in Christ-like Conversations

• Activity: Practice Kingdom-Centered Conversations

• Application: Engage in a political discussion with someone who holds different views. Instead of trying to win the argument, focus on listening, understanding their perspective, and showing love and respect. Use this as an opportunity to represent Christ’s love and the values of His kingdom in your interactions.

3. Demonstrating Christ’s Compassion

• Activity: Serve the Marginalized

• Application: Identify a social or political issue in your community that affects marginalized or underserved people. Find a way to serve or support those who are impacted by this issue, demonstrating the love and justice that Jesus calls us to embody as His followers.

4. Praying for Authority

• Activity: Commit to Praying for Leaders

• Application: Dedicate time each day this week to pray for political leaders, regardless of your personal opinions about them. Pray for wisdom, guidance, and for them to make decisions that align with God’s truth and justice. This act helps keep our focus on God’s sovereignty over all human authority.

5. Learning from Jesus' Example

• Activity: Study the Life of Jesus in the Gospels

Application: Set aside time to read through one of the Gospels, paying special attention to how Jesus interacted with political figures and authorities. Take notes on how He responded to power, injustice, and societal structures. Reflect on how you can emulate His example in your own engagement with politics.