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Jesus made it clear He was not running for political office. But if He had been, would you have voted for Him?
We should at least look as closely at Him as we do our other leaders. An interview might go like this. Jack, our commentator begins.
Where are You from?
My kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36
It looks like you have an immigration history that is kind of suspect.
Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth? And now You claim to be everywhere? Where exactly are you living now?
I am in you.
John 14:20
That does not make sense.
Perhaps, not to you now, but … one day
you will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.
John 14:20
OK. Let’s move on. Tell us about your family.
I have a Father and I love My Father.
John 14:31
That’s nice. Is He here with you tonight?
Oh yes, we are inseparable. I and The Father are One.
John 10:30
So it sounds like He might be a strong influence on what you say and do.
I do exactly what My Father has commanded Me.
John 14:31
I do not speak on my own, but The Father Who sent Me commands Me to say all that I have spoken.
John 12:49
What about your mother? Do you have brothers or sisters?
I have a large family. Whoever does The Will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
Matthew 12:50
You keep referring to your Father in Heaven. Where exactly is He now?
He is the same place I am. The Kingdom of God is within you.
Luke 17:21
Well, we don’t have time to debate that tonight. Let’s move on to your platform. The people want to know why you believe you are qualified to be a leader.
The Spirit of The Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free and to proclaim the year of The Lord’s favor.
Luke 14:18
That sounds like a pretty big undertaking. Can you give us a few highlights of your proposals?
Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Matthew 22:37
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:34-35
Oh come on, Jesus. You don’t even know me. How could you love me?
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.
Jeremiah 1:5
I saw your unformed body.
Psalm 139:16
I know your thoughts.
Psalm 139:2
For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
Well, Jesus, we are not doing a Valentines special here tonight. So we need to move on with some specifics.
What is your plan to deal with our enemies?
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44
Jesus, that is too much. You know they have done some atrocious things. They are guilty.
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Matthew 7:1
Well, they are judging us. They are taking us to court. Can we even defend ourselves?
If someone brings a lawsuit against you and takes you to court, do your best to settle the dispute before you get to court.
Luke 12:58
What about these wars. Can we at least strike back? You know, a measured response.
Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
Matthew 26:52
So you are against guns, swords, bombs and other ways we defend ourselves? How are we going to kill the evil people?
You do believe in the death penalty, don’t you?
I say what My Father said.
“I don’t want wicked people to die.” declares the Almighty Lord. “I want them to turn from their evil ways and live.”
Ezekiel 18:23
What about abortion? Surely you agree with sacrifice. Isn’t that part of your mission?
I came to bring Life, not death.
I came to save.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’
Matthew 9:13
Jesus, that is all the time we have today. Just to wrap up, what would you want people to know about you?
Take My Yoke upon you, and learn from Me, I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29
With all due respect, Jesus, I don’t think the world is looking for a gentle leader.
I don’t think we want to be yoked to anyone.
I think we are looking for someone to express what we want. It sounds like you need to learn from us.
I try to be objective here, but I must tell you, I think you are facing an uphill battle.
Your ideas just won’t work in our society today.
I think people in the future will either forget you or think you are a crackpot. I guess I am safe in saying that to you because if you consider me an enemy, you are just going to love me anyway. Right?
Jesus answered, “I AM.”
And just as it happened a long time ago,
When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground …
John 18:6
it seems Jack just had a fall.
We’ll take a short break while Jesus is helping our commentator get up. That will give you time to consider whether you want Jesus leading the world.
I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live!
Deuteronomy 30:19
