Introduction

Politics is once again headline news after the shock result of the recent US elections. From a political perspective, Jesus’ time in ‘public service’ would be deemed a failure; his denouement on a cross hardly looked like a victory for the ‘manifesto’ he was promoting. Yet, even as he was dying on a cross, he continued to dispense the love and compassion that characterised his earthly ministry, and defined his legacy.

 

Context

The fallout from Donald Trump’s surprising, but emphatic, political victory continues to dominate the headlines.

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan urges leaders to build bridges and not walls.

In what is ‘anti-bullying week’ a new survey finds that the number of children and young people needing counselling for online bullying has increased by 88% over five years.

A petition to close all shops on Boxing Day gains over 100,000 signatures.

 

Reflection

The words ‘this wasn’t meant to happen!’ are still reverberating around the world after Donald Trump’s surprising but emphatic election victory last week. While Mr Trump insisted all along that he was going to win, a good many, including nearly all the opinion pollsters, believed he would lose at the ballot box. Trump would argue that had we listened to him, we would not be so shocked by the result.

In a curious parallel, Jesus’ crucifixion at the end of his earthly ministry should not have come as a real surprise to his followers. He had warned them on a number of occasions that the Messiah would suffer and die (and on the third day be raised), but – as were many by Trump’s victory – Jesus’ followers were shocked by what subsequently happened.

I would argue that those running for US President attach an almost messianic tinge to their leadership credentials. All promise the electorate what William Blake described as a ‘New Jerusalem’ – a country where all hopes and dreams are realised by their policies and strategies. Whether they actually deliver on this is a matter for debate – time alone will tell whether President Trump can make good on the promises that fired up electors to vote for him in such unprecedented numbers.

In many respects, being a President is all about power. The US President is regarded as the most powerful person in the world, and everything about the role imbues strength. His national emblem is a bald eagle – a bird of prey (and power); the presidential car is known as ‘The Beast’; and the presidential aircraft (Airforce 1) is a prominent symbol of the American presidency and its power.

Contrast this with Jesus who was known as the ‘Lamb of God’, who sometimes travelled on a humble donkey, and for whom the (peaceful) doves had a liking. Moreover, unlike US Presidents who have an initial four years to make good on their promises – and if they do well they get four more – Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted around three years. And from a political perspective, it appeared to end in failure. He died a painful, ignominious death on a cross having been largely deserted by his supporters.

But while Jesus’ death may have been hideous, its impact has been earth shattering. In fact, no life and death (and resurrection) has had such an influence on human history. And unlike US Presidents (President-elect Trump has promised to repeal many of his predecessor’s policies), there is no danger of anyone undoing what Jesus has done.

What’s more, Jesus’ impact was achieved not by force, scientific proof or philosophical thought – the things that our world tends to regard as the levers of change – but by love, peace and self-sacrifice. It was these that motivated Jesus to have that amazing conversation with one of the two thieves crucified alongside him. And when Jesus promised this man that they would both be together in paradise, it was a pledge he could keep.

 

Prayer

This reflective prayer could be used at the end of a service.

Dear Lord,
we consider your life,
and thank you that it was spent in the service of others.
Although you were a king, you came not to be served but to serve.
Indeed, your entire life was about service,
offering love, mercy and compassion to those in need.

We consider your death,
and how during your dying moments
you still reached out to those in need of your touch,
whether it was your grieving mother or the thief on the cross. 

And we ponder your resurrection,
and we consider what can be achieved
not through brute strength, coercion or sophisticated arguments,
but love, compassion and mercy.

Just as you are alive,
we know that your message continues to change lives
and bring hope to those in need of a renewed vision.
Amen.

 

Questions

• How does Jesus’ model of power and success vary from that seen in society?
• Is it ever appropriate for us to ‘measure’ our effectiveness as Christians by our activities with non-Christians?

 

Action

Given the furore caused by Donald Trump’s election success (and the overwhelming support he garnered from some Christian groups), form groups to discuss issues of faith and power, and the best practical ways to exercise both in our society.

 

Young people

This week is ‘anti-bullying week’ in the UK. A recent NSPCC Childline survey suggests that the number of young people needing counselling about online bullying has increased by 88% over five years. Find out how you can support those who experience bullying - especially that of a cyber nature.

 

 

Richard Reddie is a writer and cultural commentator. He is a Warden at St James Church, West Streatham, London.

 

 

 

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