The fog of politics will never provide what only Jesus promises
By Dean Collins
Religious leaders aligning with political power isn’t really a new thing. Jesus was well aware of it and even warned his disciples about it. The Pharisees and the Herodians, while holding different views of who should have political power, played political games constantly. And when they came together they ultimately joined forces to try and interrupt Jesus. Jesus was, is, and will always be a threat to political power.
I’m not saying you can’t be a Christian if you are an elected official or even call yourself a Republican or Democrat or Independent. But Jesus might say to us what he said to the disciples in the boat just after some Jewish leaders with varying political views asked him for evidence that he was from God. Jesus told his disciples, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”
Political idols
It doesn’t take much leaven or yeast to impact bread dough. And it doesn’t take much political leaning to create a political idol. Jesus and politics are a dangerous mix because each desires loyalty. No political system will ever bow to Jesus. That doesn’t mean we can’t or even shouldn’t advocate for justice or moral issues as citizens. But we must be very careful in the political sphere, because politics will ask for loyalty that we can never give if we call Jesus our Lord.
In Mark 8 the disciples had just witnessed another miraculous feeding of thousands at the hands and voice of Jesus. But when they got in the boat to leave the scene, they realized they had only one loaf of bread. Caught up in the noise of the crowd and probably the pushing and shoving to get closer to Jesus, the disciples hadn’t remembered to bring more supplies. Now they were stewing about it.
Jesus cautioned them about the leaven of the Pharisees and Herodians. They were stuck on where their next meal would come from, but Jesus asked them why they were talking about having enough bread! Hadn’t they just seen him multiply bread to feed a throng? Didn’t they realize he is fully capable of meeting their needs and thousands of others’ needs as well? Jesus was the source of all power and all provision.
Divided loyalties
As the chapter comes to an end, Jesus stressed this point even more clearly. “If you want to come after me then you will need to lay down all other allegiances, offer yourself completely to my love, and follow me.” According to Jesus we can’t have divided loyalty. We either throw ourselves at the systems of the world or into the hands of Jesus. Trying to do both will result in failing in both.
In the very next chapter of Mark, three of the disciples have an amazing encounter on a mountaintop. The transfiguration of Jesus must have been stunning. As the cloud overtook Peter, James, and John, God spoke to them: “This is my beloved son; listen to him.” Then the cloud disappeared, and all they saw was Jesus.
And Jesus is all we need to see, too. Listen to Jesus first and daily. The cloud of the election is lifting, but the fog of politics will always bring more promises of protection, provision, and prosperity. None of them will ever deliver like the Prince of Peace. Look at Jesus, listen and follow him. He will always keep his promises and never fail to provide.
Your time with God’s Word
Mark 8:11-21, 34-38; 9:7-8 ESV
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Photo by Jakub Kriz on Unsplash
