FROM THE HEART OF a PASTOR OP-ED BY DR. ROBERT KENNEDY
Lately, I have been taking note of the range of commentaries on the terroristic radicalization of individuals here in the United States and across the world. It has led me to think about the time of Jesus’ first Advent.
If you can’t remember that history, let me remind you that the world, at that time, was under Roman rule, and the culture of radicalization seemed to have been as intense as it is today. Yet, despite the iron presence of the Pax Romana – the Roman Army – everywhere, the radicalized found ways of expressing their personal and political grievances. They raised their militias, built their bunkers, and connected with those who would engage in insurrection as much as they could.
The issue of radicalization is a fact of interest, for many of the insurrectionists of Jesus’ time fought with religious fervor. And this is one of the reasons that the religious leaders watched Jesus and his disciples so closely. Those curious and spiteful individuals who came to watch Jesus discovered that Jesus was not a terrorist and that the disciples he called were not radicalized to be terrorists.
In his Sermon from the Mount or Plateau (depends on whether you are reading in Matthew 5 or Luke 6), Jesus told his disciples clearly that the “blessed are peacemakers” (Mt 5:9). When James and John wanted Jesus to call down fire on a Samaritan village because the people in it had insulted them, Jesus turned and rebuked James and John and asked them, “Do you know what kind of spirit you have?” (cf. Luke 9:54, 55)
When Peter, in the Garden of Gethsemane, cut off the ear of one of those who had come to arrest Jesus, Jesus replaced the ear and said to Peter, “Put your sword back in its place.” Jesus continued to chide Peter, saying, ” all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).
Yes, Jesus was the bringer of peace. At his birth, angels from heaven hovered of the shepherds in the field and sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)
Some persons have said that Jesus was quite “radical,” but no one has ever been able to say that Jesus was a terrorist. On the contrary, those who hated Jesus, and could not find cause against him to secure his death, were willing to accept a terrorist in place of Jesus. Remember the story. At the conclusion of Jesus’ trial, the vacillating Governor, Pilate, made an offer to see if he could release Jesus. The offer was a choice between Jesus, who was called the Christ, and Jesus Barabbas.
Matthew records it thus: “And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”
“Now, the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
“So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:16-26 ESV)
It is interesting how people are willing to accept radicalization or terroristic ideologies or support insurrectionists and other evil extremists instead of following Jesus’ way – the way of peace.
So, I hope that as we reflect on the Advent in the days ahead, we will speak peace and kindness. And that we might remind anyone we see who is becoming radicalized that there is a better way, the way of peace. Speak peace and act peacefully.
