The Essential Jesus (Part 16): The Crucifixion of JesusSample

It's All About You, Jesus

PRAY: Heavenly Father, You know the concerns of my heart today. Please guide me to the part of Your Word that I most need to hear today.

READ: Luke 22:66--23:25

REFLECT: Some time ago I had lunch with two dear friends who were curious about my faith in Jesus. They asked several good, honest questions, and I was encouraged by the direction of our discussion. But after a while the conversation took a turn; my friends were alarmed at the way religion and politics often mixed in public debate. As a result, they had difficulty separating my commitment to following Jesus from a particular political agenda.

That's exactly what's happening in Luke 22:66--23:25; political concerns have overwhelmed true religion. Notice the spin the religious leaders put on their accusations of Jesus: "He's undercutting our national security, He opposes your tax policy, and He's planning a political take over" (my paraphrase of Luke 23:2). It's all about politics. Thank God there are some political leaders who are attempting to govern today based on their deeply held spiritual values. But God, save us from leaders who use those values for political gain. It's a fine line but an extremely important one to maintain; getting it wrong prevents people from hearing the good news.

Our passage also gives us two examples of religion and politics gone awry. Herod was interested in Jesus, but only for entertainment (v. 8); politicians always want to be near celebrities. But Jesus made clear that He was no celebrity entertainer (v. 9); we must accept Him as Savior and Lord, or not at all. But perhaps the most famous example came on the watch of Pilate, the man who sentenced Jesus to death. Part of him wanted to do the right thing (vv. 13-17, 20-22), but in the end he didn't believe there was any such thing as truth (John 18:38), and it caused him to reject the ultimate source of truth. Some say that is an apt analogy of our modern society.

Christians need to be very careful not to misuse faith issues in politics, or worse: to politicize the mission of the church. That's why I am moved every time I sing Matt Redman's song "The Heart of Worship" that says he's sorry for making worship about something other than Jesus.

APPLY: How have your religious beliefs shaped your political views?

PRAY: Lord, I ask that You'd reveal to me any ways my political positions are at odds with Your heart and Your Word.