John 18:33-36

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’” vs. 36

John’s gospel spells the truth out so clearly it’s hard to imagine that anyone could misunderstand. Jesus’ kingdom is not from this world! Yet even followers of Jesus found it impossible to resist when the Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. That’s the point at which armies began marching into battle under the banner of Jesus Christ, and we still haven’t stopped. Even today wherever wars are waged Christians routinely write bible verses on bombs and priests offer blessings to ensure that these weapons will rain death and destruction on enemies, even if they’re other Christians. Christian nationalism began with Constantine and it still hasn’t stopped flexing its unholy muscles. Its promises are rooted in the false premise that the kingdom of God can be established by the rule of law and the posting of commandments. “If only Christians ran the government,” they say. “Immorality could be rooted out and purity restored.” It’s a tempting thought, but it’s not even close to the kingdom in which Jesus is the ruler. In that peaceable kingdom unconditional love is the currency and the only weapon is sacrificial service. And the best news yet! That kingdom is already here, and in it Christ will reign forever.

Thought for the Day: What can the government do to eliminate immorality?