The Gospel of John: Speaking Truth to Power

It has been said by the proponents of various liberation theologies that Jesus of Nazareth was the first non-violent revolutionary and the prototype for all non-violent revolutionaries to follow after Him. But reducing Him to a social justice warrior does a grave injustice Jesus Christ and to the Gospel of the Kingdom that He offered to world. In one sense of the word, Jesus was revolutionary; He said, “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” However, the sword Jesus wielded was the Word of God. It is true that Jesus came to set men free, but the freedom He brought is a freedom of the spirit, mind, and soul that transcends the temporary and fleeting bonds of this physical realm. Those who walk in darkness seek only the powers that this sin-stained and fallen world have to offer. By speaking truth to power, Jesus struck a blow for freedom for all those who are preyed upon by the power-hungry wolves who feed upon God’s flock. By His words and actions Jesus exposed and then conquered once for all time the powers of darkness that exist to manipulate and control mankind. Speaking truth to power cost the Son of Man His life, but when He rose from the tomb as King of kings and Lord of lords, His indestructible, eternal Life liberated all mankind from sin and death.