Republican Jesus

When I first saw this meme of Jesus, I was offended that people would alter the message of hope and peace that Christ came to teach all mankind, and instead use His words to push a political agenda. In my previous post, I mentioned a class presentation in which we as students and future leaders in ministry were advised not to engage in conversations about images of Jesus that are clearly meant to poke fun at Christianity. Rather, we should only try to correct images that depict an inaccurate view of Who Jesus was and still is today, according to the Bible. I believe that this image would fall into the latter category, and needs to be addressed.

In my offence at seeing this image, I thought about its possible origins and concluded that it was likely made by a Republican American supporter who did not approve of the political move to provide universal health care to the poor population of the United States. I was offended because this person has chosen to use the image of Jesus to send a message that is in complete contradiction to what Jesus taught His disciples. In the Gospels, it is clear that Jesus taught all who would follow Him to care for the poor and the oppressed. Even in His own life, Jesus spent a great deal of time with people who were social outcasts and were therefore forced to beg on the streets for money. These people were often widowed or disabled and had been shunned not only by society, but also by their own families. There are many people who can relate to this today, especially those who are forced into homelessness. Unfortunately, whoever composed this meme chose to poke fun at the ideals that Jesus taught. I believe that this meme spreads a message of prejudice and discrimination against those who Christ taught us to extend His love to.

In order to bridge the gap with a non-Christian, I would firstly state that the conversation is not about one's political stance, but rather, it is about what Christ calls each of His disciples to do. Jesus' followers were a collection of people from various social, economic and political backgrounds, who all found truth in His teachings and were committed to living a life that honored and brought His glory long after His ascension to Heaven. In the end, their political differences did not matter. What mattered was following God's commandments and loving Him as well as others. We should stop trying to tie religion into politics to further our own agendas, and instead go out into the world and actually show people a love that changes the world for the better. God's two most important instructions for His people, to love Him and to love others, are applicable to all mankind whether or not one is affiliated with a specific political party.