Was Jesus volgens Lukas se vertelling ’n politieke faktor?

Abstract

Was Jesus in any sense politically involved in the social and cultural activities of his day? The answer is yes and no! An analysis of the social-political situation in Palestine during Jesus’ ministry shows that political aspirations and religious convictions were interlaced. It was a complex situation in which the political, social, economical and religious background contributed to the understanding of the message of Jesus. The Romans, priests, Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots and Essenes, each chose their own social-political solution. According to Luke, Jesus had his own stance regarding the poor, the infirm, and aspects like riches oppression, injustice and violence. He manifested a strong concern for the poor; called upon those with surplus possessions to use them to benefit the poor and recommended to his disciples to find ways to enable the poor to participate fully in community life (cf. Luke 14:12-14). Jesus also did not submit to the social patterns and political practices to which the Romans were committed. Although he rejected violence, as manifested in the attitude of the Zealots, Jesus was al least potentially a serious threat to Roman rule in Palestine in propagating a new community style of love and humility.