"My Kingdom Is No Part of This World"

"For I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth." -JOHN 18:37.

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?

* How did Jesus show he had no interest in political movements?

* What balanced position did Jesus recommend? 

* What is the Christian's position on the use of violence?

 

From an early age, I saw only injustice," recalls a  sister in southern Europe, who as reflecting on her past.  "So I rejected the political system of my country, and I supported what many viewed as radical ideas.  In fact, for many years I was the girlfriend of a terrorist." A brother in southern Africa had also previously justified violence.  "I believed that my tribe was superior to all others, and I joined a political party,"  he says.  "We were taught to kill our opponents with spears-even those of our own tribe who  supported other political parties."  A sister in central Europe admits:  "I was prejudiced, and I hated anyone who was of a different nationality or who had a religion that was different from mine."

A growing trend in today's world is reflected in the attitudes that those once had.  Violent independence movements flourish, political divisions became more entrenched, and in many countries, foreigners are subjected to growing animosity.  As the Bible foretold, people of all sorts are "not open to any agreement" during these last days.  (2 Timothy 3:1, 3)  While the world becomes more divided, how can Christians safeguard their unity?  We can learn much   by examining  how Jesus handled a situation in the first century when the land was unsettled by political turmoil.  Let us consider three main points:  Why did Jesus refuse to get involved in separatist movements?  How did he demonstrate the need for God's servants to avoid taking sides on political issues? And how did Jesus teach us that violence against others is not justified?

Next time:  JESUS ATTITUDE TOWARD INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENTS

From the jw.org publications