Would Jesus Ever Be Elected President? [Jesus' Viewpoints]
It’s an interesting question to think about isn’t it? Do you think Jesus could be elected president this coming November if he took his earthly form today? Would you vote for him? How would the rest of the world see/view him?If we go back in history as far as we can go, we will find that politics has always played a role in the human race. That was no different in Jesus’ time on earth as well. When Jesus was born, Politian’s worried about losing their position to the one that was predestined to be King.
Matthew 2:2-3 - 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose,[a]and we have come to worship him.” 3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. (NLT)
However, I’m guessing that if Jesus were around today he would have no interest in running for the oval office because his “kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) But let’s play the “what if” game and see where Jesus would stand on a few of the topics that are of concern today.
Economics
The view or belief that Jesus was/is a socialist is just plain wrong. Socialism and Christianity differ widely because socialist governments mandate the redistribution of wealth. Whereas Christianity allows the individual/family the opportunity to give or not to give. The gospel speaks to a giving spirit but does not require it.
2 Corinthians 8:3 - For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. (NLT)
Racism, Sexism, Bigotry
Jesus saw every human being as made in his own image (Genesis 1:26) and as a sinner needing redemption (Romans 3:22-23). In the book of John under chapter 4 we are told of Jesus randomly meeting a Samaritan woman at a well. The recount of this meeting shows Jesus dealing with the three major barriers among people;Racism – The hatred of Jews and SamaritiansSexism – Samaritian women were seen as uncleanReligious Bigotry – To the Jewish religion the temple on Mount Gerizim was a point of contention.
Poverty/Welfare
Very often Jesus spoke out for human rights on behalf of people that were oppressed. However, he was balanced in speaking to both society’s responsibility to help one another and an individual’s responsibility to care/help himself. Under normal circumstances Jesus called individuals to bear their “own burden” (Galatians 6:5). He also spoke to times of extreme circumstances or emergencies and urged Christians and society’s to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).Jesus also advocated for charity. He urges the rich to “use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). When you prepare a fest he called for those people to invite “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and God will reward you for blessing those who could not repay you” (Luke 14:13-14).Jesus also doesn’t want people taking advantage of the system or the charity of other people and thus called people who are able to work.
1 Timothy 5:8 - But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. (NLT)
Women
Women were never objects, slaves, property, or tools in Jesus’ eyes. He treated them fairly just as any other person he came in contact with.#1. He comforted women, “Women, why are you crying” (John 20:15)?#2. He defended women, “Why are you troubling this women” (Matthew 26:10)#3. He helped women, “Women, you are free from your sickness” (Luke 13:12).#4. He complemented women, “O women, great is thy faith” (Matthew 15:28).#5. He elevated women, “there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28)
Homosexuality
Although Jesus never spoke to homosexuality directly, he did explain the proper way for people to live in both marriage and sexuality.Marriage – “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” (Matthew 19:4-5).Sexuality – “Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:2)
Abortion
Jesus loved children and often took time to be with them. He not only held them but also used them as examples of how we should live our lives (Matthew 18:3). This attitude and mindset aligns with God’s feelings about kids, babies, and embryo’s;
Jeremiah 1:5 – Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. (NCV)
God not only speaks that he planned for these children to be born but also what happens if they are taken from him.
Deuteronomy 27:25 – “A curse on anyone who causes the death of the innocent” (VOICE)Proverbs 6:16-19 – There are six things the Lord hates… hands that shed innocent blood (NIV)
The Winning Ticket
This is only a small sample of the topics on hand during this year’s election. But given what Jesus said and stands for, could you vote for him? I think we have to be careful not to get wrapped up in the promises from each candidate about how they are going to make our world a better place. There is only one person who can do that and he will never be elected president, but he is already our King! (Romans 14:11)If you're wanting to get into political conversations with friends and family, here's a way to have these conversations without burning bridges as Christians.