As I sat in church on Easter Sunday, reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus and His impact over the past 2,000 years, I was struck by how often His name is invoked — sometimes to justify great good, other times to excuse great harm.

His teachings have inspired hospitals, orphanages, abolitionist movements, and acts of radical compassion. But tragically, they’ve also been twisted to support prejudice, oppression, and violence. So who is Jesus, really? And what can we learn from His example in an age where everyone — from pundits to politicians — seems eager to speak in His name?

A divided world then — and now

Jesus lived in politically explosive times. The Roman Empire ruled Judea with harsh authority. The Jewish people were fractured in their response: the Pharisees sought holiness through strict religious law, the Sadducees aligned with Rome to preserve power, the Zealots called for violent revolution, and the Essenes withdrew into isolation.

Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, wrote about these factions and the unrest that plagued the region. The Pharisees emphasized tradition, the Sadducees downplayed spiritual matters, and the Zealots believed armed revolt was the only path to freedom. Roman historians like Tacitus confirmed Judea’s volatility under Roman rule.

And yet, Jesus refused to align Himself with any political faction. In Matthew 22, when asked whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar—a trap designed to pit Him against either the people or the empire—He responded: “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God what is God’s.” He didn’t dodge the question—He elevated it. He acknowledged civil authority while affirming divine sovereignty.

In John 6, when the crowds tried to make Him king by force after He fed the 5,000, Jesus withdrew to the mountains. He came not to seize power but to change hearts.

Jesus’ Model for Engagement

Jesus confronted hypocrisy, exposed corruption, and called for repentance—but He never sought to build a political kingdom. He told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). His mission was spiritual transformation, not political dominance.

That’s a lesson we still need today.

As a Christian conservative, I often find myself put in a box. People assume I want to impose my beliefs on others or use government to enforce morality. But that’s not what Jesus did — and it’s not what I believe.

Jesus never forced anyone to follow Him. He invited them. Likewise, our role in public life is not to coerce, but to inspire. We are called to be salt and light — not judges and kings.

The Church must never mistake the government as the vessel for the gospel. The gospel spreads through changed hearts, not passed laws. Laws can restrain evil; only grace transforms lives.

The Role of Government

The Bible, particularly in Romans 13, affirms the government’s purpose: to uphold justice and protect citizens. Its role is not to promote a specific religion, but to defend individual liberty. The government exists to ensure people can live freely — even when their choices differ from ours.

If we want to see our communities reflect Christian values, we must begin not in the voting booth, but in prayer. We must humble ourselves, get on our knees, and ask God to bring revival — starting in our own hearts. A society shaped by grace starts with people transformed by grace.

When we encounter laws or cultural trends that violate our Christian convictions — but not the rights of others — we should respond not with rage, but with love. Our calling isn’t to dominate the culture — it’s to illuminate it.

Not at war — but called to shine

We are not at war with our neighbors. We’re not here to conquer through power. We’re called to be light in the darkness, living lives that reflect Christ’s love, truth, and humility.

History shows that when religion merges with political power, both get corrupted. The Crusades, forced conversions, and the abuses of national churches prove this. But when Christians serve sacrificially, speak truth with humility and love their enemies, communities are changed.

The political left often invokes Jesus when it supports their narrative — “Jesus loved the poor,” “Jesus welcomed the stranger.” Yet the same voices cry “separation of church and state” when believers speak up about biblical values on marriage, life, or morality.

On the political right, there’s another danger: mistaking patriotism for discipleship, and elevating party over principle. It’s tempting to see our nation as God’s chosen vehicle for righteousness — but Jesus didn’t die to build an empire. He came to rescue souls.

Jesus didn’t come to take sides. He came to call hearts back to the Father.

Let Your Life Be the Light

Jesus cares deeply for individuals. He never led armies or wrote laws. He touched lepers, spoke with outcasts, and forgave sinners. That same Jesus lives today — and still calls us to live differently.

If we think our role is to legislate morality rather than to live it, we’ve missed His heart. We may win a policy battle but lose the greater opportunity to love someone into the Kingdom.

So yes, Christians should vote. We should engage. We should speak. But we must remember the most powerful testimony we have isn’t a platform — it’s a life that looks like Jesus.

I don’t have all the answers, but I know this: Jesus changed my heart. And maybe, if we live like He did — faithfully, humbly and boldly — He’ll use us to change the world.

Caleb Waller owns River Nest Resort, offering guests a unique hospitality experience. He also works in the financial industry, helping people manage their money. With past experience in politics, Caleb has been involved in advocating for policies that strengthen local communities and businesses. He lives in Silt with his wife, Kendra, and their seven children.