The Rebel Jesus

We guard our world with locks and guns

And we guard our fine possessions

 And once a year when Christmas comes

We give to our relations

And perhaps we give a little to the poor

If the generosity should seize us

But if any one of us should interfere

In the business of why there are poor

They get the same as the rebel Jesus

The Rebel Jesus

Jackson Browne

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXUZsGAlFpQ

In John’s gospel, the Jewish leaders know. What they know is that this man, Jesus, has exposed them. He has called-out their dishonesty and their corruption, leadership that masquerades as holiness authored by God.

With absolute certainty, they realize that Jesus represents a clear and present danger to their status, their wealth and the system that allows them to remain in power.

We know this by their reaction. They do what all corrupt leaders do when their power is threatened:

• They discredit - “Now we are sure that you are possessed.”
• They use language to debate and distract – “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?”
• They obfuscate - Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’
• They resort to violence - So they picked up stones to throw at him.

They do everything but engage in a conversation “on the merits” or demonstrate the imagination to be open to another way, a way of love and mercy that will even include them. 

A way of unremitting love and mercy that will deliver peace and freedom to those whom they seek to dominate and control.

Author: John Sabine, Advancement