Resistance V
The Way of the Cross: The Non-Violent Resistance of Jesus
by the Rev. AJ Ochart
** This week we will have a Congregational Meeting for the purpose of receiving the nominations for the office of Ruling Elder for the class of 2029: Rob Astin, Rita Batman, Phil Beckwith, and Sandee Cribbs.
*** There will also be a 5th Sunday Lunch after worship, bring a side to share!
Matthew 5:38-48; 16:21-28; 27:11-14; 28:16-20
This week we continue the August Sermon Series on Resistance with a look at the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. We do not always think of Jesus’ ministry as one of resistance (perhaps we should consider why that might be the case), but his early disciples certainly saw his ministry as such. Many of the titles used by Paul and the gospel writers for Jesus were intentionally politically charged (Messiah, Son of David, Son of God, Lord) and presented this Nazarite day-laborer in direct contrast to the Roman Emperor. Jesus preached about a top-down kingdom not based on violence, authority, coercion, class, or power; but a bottom-up kingdom (kin-dom) that resisted imperial shows of power with non-violence, humility, conversation, equity, and justice. Jesus invited his disciples, and us, to bear the cross (even though we have historically been more interested in building crosses instead).
Questions to Consider
– What does it feel like to consider Jesus as a resistance leader?
– Who might benefit from an a-political view of Jesus?
– How can Jesus’ ministry be seen as being in opposition/contrast to that of Caesar?
