How would Jesus Vote? – what a loaded question! We’ve heard a pretty good bit of buzz out there on this question. I’ve heard people say, “he wouldn’t vote!” I’ve heard people say pretty dogmatically, “He would vote Republican!”, and I’ve heard others say “He would vote Democrat!”
How we answer the question is important! We each may have the tendency to answer the question as to justify our cause/approach. In other words, wherever you line up politically, you could make arguments that Jesus is for this or that and by that declare that He would vote your way.
We should have a Principle based approach. In other words, we are to consider Jesus’ teachings on authority, government, and perspective, and let those principles guide our direction as to what we are to do, or “how would Jesus have me vote”? And this really is the right question.
Disclaimer – I am no expert on politics. I did not major in political science. Some of you are probably better talking it up about politics than I am, but I did major in things related to the church and the Scriptures. Also, as a church leader, I am not here to tell you how to vote, that’s not my job, our job is to lead you to follow the Lord and His Word!
Biblical vs political
My desire to help you be have a biblical worldview more than a political worldview…how do you do that? Here are 3 considerations:
1. Focus on the Right Kingdom
I don’t believe Jesus was politically focused. I don’t mean that I think He didn’t care, I just don’t believe that politics was His priority…there’s some evidence for this from His own words…
John 18:33-38 – my Kingdom is not of this world
Mark 1:14-15 – the kingdom of God is at hand
Acts 1:3, 6-8 – its not for you to know
So what should we do? We should have the focus of Jesus! We are to be more about His kingdom than this kingdom. As a Christian we must have these philosophical presuppositions…the earth will pass away, we are leaving this kingdom anyway, we are just passing through this one, we are just pilgrims here, were here temporarily.
Our World is messed up for sure. America is in a real crisis of leadership. But, as a follow of Jesus and His Kingdom, there is no reason to be all dismayed and troubled, fearful or fretful – Psalm 37:8-9
Our first focus is to be His kingdom!
Matt. 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
2. Filter through the right lens
As followers of Jesus who are focused on HIS kingdom more than THIS kingdom, we could say, we should be non-partisan, now I am not saying don’t be or its wrong to be a republican, democrat, libertarian, or otherwise…when I say non partisan, its just to point out that having a biblical worldview more than a political worldview is not about what party you line up under.
Consider that THIS kingdom’s parties are divided…have you ever paid attention to a presidential address? Could our country be more visibly divided at the top level of its leadership? One side of the room hear’s something they like while the other disagrees and a clear dividing line between them is seen by applause vs. arms folded, or a standing ovation vs. a seated protest. Jesus said, “a house divided will not stand”.
here is a point of perspective: we are to see, recognize, or understand, that His authority allows this authority.
Jesus told Pilate, who was the governing Roman ruler of Jerusalem in the days of the Roman Empire, where his power, position, and politics came from…
John 19:7-11 – your authority is from above
…this was not just a great come back by Jesus…not just quick wit, it was His point of view, his perspective on authority, here’s another example of Jesus’ philosophy or perspective regarding government from a day previously, He said…
Matt. 22:15-22 – Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s
So what should we do? If we see through the filter that God is Sovereign and allows authority to be in certain places in certain era’s of time then we can have the right lens which will allow us to respectfully submit to authority. Consider this passage on this subject: Romans 13:1-7
3. Follow the Right Leader
Being submissive and respectful to God given authority, and being more about His kingdom, should not lead us to a fatalistic attitude or action. To say, “well, its gonna happen the way God wants it to”, or “its the world and not my home, what do I care?” NO, we are here now, in this era of time! We have freedoms and privileges. We should be good stewards of these and exercise our freedom and privilege to vote. Many don’t vote, b/c they are fatalistic and indifferent, this is not responsible or good stewardship.
Following the right leader is not about voting party, but voting person or the character of the person…its voting biblical-not political!
We all have experienced the reality of…
Proverbs 29:2 –“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
Sometimes the wicked rule b/c of what 1 John 5:19 says:“We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” Other times the wicked rule b/c we don’t stand up, not for party, but for righteousness! So what should we do? Measure His Word against their word!
In addition: we should diligently pray for wisdom. Also, we must do our homework. Who is the candidate?…not just are they Republican, Democrat, or other, but who are they in their character and conduct? How do they measure up biblically?, how do they measure up next to Jesus?, What is their track record?
The scriptures give us example after example of kings who did evil in the sight of the Lord, and as a result they led the nation(s) to fall far away from God. Who someone is leads them to do what they do, follow the right leader by learning who they are. A politicians track record is a matter of public record, and if we don’t know, there are plenty of resources to help us.
This world is not our final destination. But, while we are here…we must be faithful – faithful to bear witness of the truth –
-be more about His kingdom than this kingdom
-see His authority allows this authority
-measure His Word against their word
Then, we can walk into that voting booth and vote how Jesus would have us vote b/c were focused on the right kingdom, filtering through the right lens, and prayerfully following the right leader
Questions…
- why do you think so many people, especially Christ followers, get caught up in the political scene? How can we have more of a biblical worldview vs. a political worldview?
- Read Acts. 1:3, 6-8. What are the disciples asking Jesus in verse 6 and how do we see ourselves thinking the same way? How does Jesus answer them and us in vs. 7-8? How should we apply Jesus’ answer?
- Read Mark 1:14-15. Cross-reference this passage with these passages – Matthew 4:23, 9:35. We understand the gospel to be Jesus came, died and resurrected – believe in this and be saved. But at this time, Jesus hadn’t died yet…so, what is the gospel of the kingdom? How does it relate to Acts 1:3 and the way we should be focused?
- How can we be more about God’s kingdom than the kingdom of this world?
- Read 1 John 5:19. If the whole world is in the power of the evil one, why should we care about who gets elected? How do we balance or understand the truth of 1 John 5:19 and 1 Chronicles 29:11-12?
- Read Romans 13:1-2, 7-10. What is to be our heart’s attitude toward our elected officials? Why do so many not give the honor and respect that is owed to those in office? How does the 2nd greatest commandment guide us in this?
- Before you vote, do you do your homework on who you will vote for, or do you just vote by party? How can we move from being partisan focused to more character focused in our voting selections?
LEARNINGS TO SHARE... 