For years before and after Jesus' birth, Israel was crushed under Roman rule—an empire marked by exploitation and violence. The atmosphere was heavy with the raw emotions of a people suffocating under oppression: anger, resentment, and frustration. The so-called Pax Romana came at a steep price. Herodian rulers, enforcing Rome's demands, taxed nearly half of every harvest. For most people, this meant deepening debt, lost land, and crushing poverty.
As Jesus was born, Judas the Galilean ignited a rebellion by attacking Sepphoris, a wealthy city near Nazareth. Rome responded with brutal force, destroying Sepphoris and crucifying 200 rebels as a grim example. These weren’t distant tales but fresh wounds that young Jesus would have heard about from survivors.
In this harsh climate, it’s no surprise people longed for a Messiah who would wield a sword and overthrow the Romans. They yearned for a savior to lead a violent uprising and end their suffering.
But Jesus defied these expectations. Instead of rallying an army or endorsing violence, he preached a radically different Kingdom of God. His message wasn’t about military might but about a revolutionary love that even embraced enemies. He lived this love, choosing to die for those who opposed him rather than seek revenge. His final words on the cross were a plea for forgiveness: "Father, forgive." In doing so, Jesus shattered the cycle of violence and showed that love, not force, is the true power for change.
This radical vision challenges the sanitized image of Jesus as a supporter of the rich, powerful, or empire. His real message is about standing with the oppressed, fighting for justice, and embodying a compassionate kingdom.
Following Jesus means embracing this liberative vision: feeding the hungry, healing the sick, clothing the naked, and housing the homeless. It means forgiving wrongdoers, seeking peace, and loving enemies. It’s about breaking down barriers, building connections, sharing resources, and prioritizing people over profits.
In today’s world, where violence and greed are rampant—from wars and riots to inequality and climate crises—Jesus' message of radical love and justice is more relevant than ever. To follow Jesus now means living out the Kingdom of God through acts of deep compassion, transformative justice, and relentless hope, embodying the revolutionary values he taught.
Artwork: Jeba Singh, Jesus
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