The Politics of Transcendence
Big Idea: Jesus’ politics transcend the politics of this world.
Jesus is political, but not partisan.
Politics: Beliefs, opinions, and actions concerned with the ordering of society.
Jesus’ politics transcend the politics of this world.
Matthew 22:15-22
Wherever God has given us influence, Jesus calls us to use it for the Kingdom of God.
The Ladder of Influence:
- National Politics
- State Politics
- Local Politics
- Community Groups
- Neighborhoods
- Family and Friends
- Yourself
Hallmarks of Early Church Politics:
- Sexual faithfulness
- Care for human life
- Racial reconciliation
- Care for the poor
- Love of enemy
A Christian Political Commitment: alderwood.cc/politics
Message Questions
For the first three weeks of March, we’ll be in a teaching series—US vs. THEM: Escaping the Hold of Political Tribalism. We’ll be looking at a Jesus-centered understanding of politics, embracing a kingdom ethos that transcends earthly divisions and fosters a commitment to truth and love. This Sunday we’ll be looking at The Politics of Exile, and the big idea is: Jesus’ politics transcend the politics of this world. Our passage is Matthew 22:15-22.
Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.
- Pastor Wyatt reminded us that Jesus is political, but not partisan. Now that you’ve had time to let this soak in, how does this statement sit with you? Have someone read Matthew 22:15-19. Which two opposing parties partnered to trap Jesus? What is the tone of their opening statement and question? What makes this a trick question?
- Have someone read Matthew 22:20-22. What do you notice about Jesus’ response? What is Jesus referencing when he uses the words image and inscription? Why did the Herodians and Pharisees leave amazed?
- The five hallmarks of the early church were:
— Sexual faithfulness
— Care for human life
— Racial reconciliation
— Care for the poor
— Love of enemy
Which of these areas sticks out to you? What area do you need to grow in and why? - Jesus’ politics transcend the politics of this world. Pastor Wyatt shared that wherever God has given us influence, Jesus calls us to use it for the kingdom of God. Where has God given you influence? How can you go towards those with whom you have influence?
