"My Kingdom Is No Part of This World" - DID JESUS SUPPORT THOSE WHO WANTED INDEPENDENCE? -Concluson

 The Jew expected that the Messiah would solve their problems.  That is probably why the people of Galilee wanted Jesus to become their king.  They must have thought that he would be the best leader. He was an excellent speaker, cure the sick, and could even provide food for those who were hungry.  After Jesus fed about 5,000 men, the people were amazed.  Jesus realized what they wanted him to do.  The Bible says: "Jesus knowing that they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain all alone."  (John 6:10-15) The next day, the people had likely calmed down. Jesus then explained to them that he had not come to provide for their material needs but to teach them about God's Kingdom.   He told them: "Work, not for the food that perishes, but for the food that remains for everlasting life." - JOHN 6:25-27.

Shortly before his death, Jesus realized that some of his followers believed that he would start ruling as king in Jerusalem.  Jesus told them the illustration of the minas to help them uderstand that this would happen.  That illustration was about "a man of noble birth," Jesus, who would have to go away for a long time. (Luke 19:11-13, 15)  Jesus also clearly told the Roman official Pontius Pilate that he did not take sides in the world's politics.  Pilate asked Jesus: "Are you the King of the Jews."  (John 18:33)  Pilate may have been afraid that Jesus would make people revolt against the Romans.  But Jesus answered:  "My Kingdom is no part of this world." (John 18:36) Jesus refused to get involved with politics, because his Kingdom  would be in heaven. He said that his work on earth was to "bear witnesses to the truth." -Read JOHN 18:37.

Jesus understood what his assignment was.  When we understand what out assignment is, we will avoid supporting any poltical group, even in our heart.  This is not always easy.  One traveling overseer says that people in his area are becoming more extreme. They are very proud of their nation and believe that their lives would be better if their own people ruled over them.  He adds: "Thankfully, the brothers have safeguarded their Christian unity by concentrating on preaching the good news of the Kingdom.  They look to God to solve injustice and  the other problems we face." 

Next  time: "My Kingdom Is No Part of This World" -  HOW DID JESUS REMAIN NEUTRAL IN POLITICAL ISSUES?

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