Reflecting on John 11:53-57“So from that day on they plotted to take his life.” (John 11:53)
The things that people will do in the name of religion is frightening.
Whether it is crashing planes into towers, or leading crusades against foreigners.
If you ask them, it is always for a good cause, a ‘worthy motive’.
But doing something bad in order to accomplish something good is not good.
Partnering with Caesar to protect one’s own kingdom is not God’s Way.
Harming the life of another is not how Jesus served God’s scattered sheep.
By their intentions and actions, the religious leaders showed their true nature.
To honour the God who commanded ‘do not kill’, they made plans to kill Jesus.
I am reminded of a Christian Nationalist pastor and his views on deception.
‘To prevail in conflict is not possible without deception.’ (Doug Wilson)
The Pharisees would agree: ‘to prevail in conflict is not possible without killing!’
But this is how people without God think and operate; it is not how Jesus worked.
Jesus does not call for strategic violence or deception for the sake of the kingdom.
Ever and always, Jesus shows us the way of humility, grace and compassion.
Religion that does otherwise is not following Jesus or the Jesus Way.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we are not to lie or to take life for Your cause. You have called us to overcome evil with goodness. I want to follow You in showing humility, grace and compassion.