This year, our church theme is “Be His Disciple, Be Like Jesus”.
In order to Be Like Jesus, I think we need to take a good look at our world today. What kind of world do we live in? What does it mean to “be like Jesus” in our world?
In a nutshell, we live in a world that is fragmented and politicised.
In the decades that followed the Second World War, the world came together. Global initiatives and organisations such the UN, WTO, EU were borne out of the desire to ensure that the world would never fight another world war. As relationships between countries became established on foundations set by the UN, globalisation of trade and investments followed, resulting in the creation of global and regional treaties such the WTO and EU.
But in the last decade or so, the world has been moving in a different direction. The rise of right-wing politics has caused a reversal in the globalisation trend. Instead of becoming a global village, we are seeing nations prioritising their own interests, forming regional blocs instead of promoting global cooperation. It seems to me that we are entering into a post-globalisation era.
Coupled with this, politicians now openly use culture and religion as tools for political gains. Topics that have traditionally been taboo for politics are now openly used as bargaining chips, to entice electorates based on their self-interests. Politicians in many countries court votes by promising to promote the religious or cultural ideals of their target groups. Recent elections in many countries have shown a shift towards populist leaders who promise to give what the voters want in return for their support.
What about the world that Jesus lived in? It may surprise you to know that Jesus also lived in a world that was highly fragmented and politicised.
The fragmented Roman empire then comprised countries spanning Europe, Middle East and Africa, made up of people groups with various skin colours, diverse culture and different religion. It is not surprising that the fragmented empire could not hold together for very long. The western Roman empire had collapsed by the 5th century AD.
The world that Jesus lived in was also very politicised. The Roman authorities used every means available to keep order, including using religion. They promoted their emperors to God-like status to take people away from the faiths. If that didn’t work, they worked with the religious authorities to ensure that religion towed the line of the government. We read in the Bible how the Pharisees and Jewish leaders were in cohorts with the Roman rulers to ensure that both the Roman and the religious leaders would retain their control over the people. Each side was using the other for their own purposes. Ultimately, Jesus paid the price by being nailed to the cross, the result of a scheme initiated by religious leaders and executed by politicians like Pilate.
Despite living in a fragmented and politicised world, Jesus achieved his mission, thereby setting for us an example to follow. He did not respond with violence, nor did He initiate a rebellion. Instead, Jesus showed us how to live with humility and love, keeping God’s commands, suffering willingly to accomplish His mission.
Our challenge today is to follow Jesus’ example in our fragmented and politicised world. It will not be easy, but with God’s help, we shall strive to Be Like Jesus.