While I was sitting at the Church on Easter Sunday, reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus and its impact in the past 2000 years, I have been struck by the frequency to which its name is invoked – sometimes to justify a great good, other times to excuse great evil.
His lessons inspired hospitals, orphanages, abolitionist movements and acts of radical compassion. But tragically, they were also twisted to support prejudices, oppression and violence. So who is Jesus really? And what can we learn from his example at a time when everyone – from experts to politicians – seems eager to speak on his behalf?
A world divided then – and now
Jesus lived in politically explosive times. The Roman Empire ruled Judea with severe authority. The Jewish people have been fractured in their response: the Pharisee sought -after holiness thanks to a strict religious law, the Sadducéens aligned with Rome to preserve power, Fanatists called to a violent revolution, and the Sos withdrew in isolation.
JoserusA Jewish historian from the first century, wrote on these factions and the troubles that tormented the region. The Pharisees underlined the tradition, the Sadducees minimized spiritual questions, and the fanatics thought that armed revolt was the only way to freedom. Roman historians love Tacit Volatility of Judea confirmed under Roman domination.
And yet Jesus refused to align himself with any political faction. In Matthew 22When asked if it was legal to pay taxes to Caesar – a trap designed to put it en masse against the people or the empire – he replied: “give back to Caesar what is Caesar and to God what is God.” He did not dodge the question – he raised it. He recognized civil authority while affirming divine sovereignty.
In John 6When the crowd tried to make him king by force after fed the 5,000, Jesus withdrew into the mountains. He came not to grasp power but to change hearts.
Jesus model for commitment
Jesus confronted hypocrisy, exposed corruption and called for repentance – but he never sought to build a political kingdom. He said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Its mission was spiritual transformation, not political domination.
This is a lesson that we still need today.
As a Christian curator, I often find myself in a box. People assume that I want to impose my beliefs on others or use the government to enforce morality. But that’s not what Jesus did – and that’s not what I believe.
Jesus never forced anyone to follow him. He invited them. Likewise, our role in public life is not to force, but to inspire. We are called to be salt and light – not judges and kings.
The Church should never confuse the government as a ship with the Gospel. The Gospel spreads in changed hearts, not adopted. Laws can restrict evil; Only grace transforms lives.
Government role
The Bible, especially in Romans 13, Says the government’s objective: maintaining justice and protecting citizens. Its role is not to promote a specific religion, but to defend individual freedom. The government exists to ensure that people can live freely – even when their choices differ from ours.
If we want to see our communities reflect Christian values, we must start not in the voting cabin, but in prayer. We have to humiliate ourselves, kneel and ask God to bring the renewal – starting in our own heart. A society shaped by grace begins with people transformed by grace.
When we meet cultural laws or tendencies that violate our Christian condemnations – but not the rights of others – we must respond not with rage, but with love. Our vocation is not to dominate culture – is to light it.
Not at war – but called to shine
We are not at war with our neighbors. We are not here to conquer power. We are called to be in the darkLiving life that reflects the love, truth and humility of Christ.
History shows that when religion merges with political power, the two are corrupt. Crusades, forced conversions and abuse of national churches prove it. But when Christians serve sacrificially, tell the truth with humility and love their enemies, communities are changed.
The political left often invokes Jesus when it supports their story – “Jesus loved the poor”, “Jesus welcomed the stranger”. However, the same voices cry “the separation of the Church and the State” when believers speak of biblical values on marriage, life or morality.
On the political right, there is another danger: to confuse patriotism with the discipulate and to raise the game on the principle. It is tempting to see our nation as the chosen vehicle of God for justice – but Jesus is not dead to build an empire. He came to save souls.
Jesus did not come to take sides. He came to remind Hearts to the father.
May your life be light
Jesus deeply cares about individuals. He has never directed armies or written laws. He touched lepers, spoken with pariahs and forgiven sinners. This same Jesus lives today – and always calls us to live differently.
If we think our role is to legislate liveWe missed his heart. We can win a political battle but lose the greatest opportunity to love someone in the kingdom.
So yes, Christians should vote. We have to commit. We should speak. But we must remember the most powerful testimony that we have is not a platform – it is a life that resembles Jesus.
I don’t have all the answers, but I know: Jesus changed my heart. And maybe if we live as he did – faithfully, humbly and boldly – he will use us to change the world.
Caleb Waller has River Nest Resort, offering customers a unique reception experience. He also works in the financial sector, helping people manage their money. With an experience spent in politics, Caleb participated in the defense of policies that strengthen communities and local businesses. He lives in silt with his wife, Kendra, and their seven children.