Why the Cross and Nationalism Are Incompatible

Perhaps you've thought over the last couple months, "I keep hearing everyone talking about nationalism, but what is it?"

Let's go back to some ancient stories first.

Israel, at one point, is finally established as a nation after their liberation from Egyptian enslavement and 40 years of wandering in the wilderness (think Arizona desert, not Yosemite National Park).

The nation is not only a political establishment, but a socio-economic and religious institution as well. But Israel has a problem. They keep getting distracted away from the things of God. They also are continually vulnerable to neighboring empires (e.g. Persia, Assyria, Babylon). Much of the prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible (i.e. the Old Testament) share the strife, lament, and yet hope of their exilic state. 

The prophets speak of this Messianic figure and age where one day, they will no longer experience exile and oppression. This figure will help to overthrow their enemies and reestablish their Godly kingdom once and for all. It's hard to know exactly what this figure might look like or how they might act, because the language of the prophets is often times apocalyptic in its literary nature. But, given the fact these people live in a violent society and also the fact that they have come to believe that God has chosen them to be unique and special (even though the scriptures say He chose them to be a blessing to the nations and to bring justice to those outside of their special group), they're quite convinced this Messiah will be some kind of king and warrior to firm up their nation. He'll be just like King David...so they think.

Enter: Jesus. 

He seems to be quite authoritative when he speaks. People listen. Opponents are skeptical. He seems to know his Bible pretty well. He even performs miracles. Perhaps this guy might be the one the prophets spoke about? Maybe He will help us make Israel like it once was? Maybe He will teach our enemies a lesson not to ever mess with us?

These were most likely the dominant thoughts of a group of people in Israel known as the Zealots. They were so sick and tired of the Roman Empire treating them like dogs. They were hoping for a warrior who would once again liberate them for political, religious, and socio-ecomomic oppression. Not all of the Zealots were religiously motivated anymore, because it seemed their faith hadn't done much for them.

But, there were a couple things that seemed a little off and caused some doubt about this supposed Messiah. Jesus always talked about dying. He was poor. Sometimes he'd escape the crowds and go off to be by himself. He never carried a weapon. He didn't seem to make any political demands. In fact, this one time, he said, "Blessed are you who are persecuted because of me." 

The Zealots and others tried to forcibly make Jesus their revolutionary king, but after several attempts, it became clear he wasn't going to budge; especially when Jesus started talking about dying by a popular Roman execution tool--a cross. So, naturally, one of the group decided to move on from Jesus and hope that a true political warrior (i.e. Messiah) would come along and actually save them from their vulnerable position. Judas made that bet and handed Jesus over to those who wanted to stop Him.

Judas betrayed Jesus, because Judas probably felt betrayed by Jesus. 

Judas, one could argue, would have carried nationalistic hopes and dreams for what the Messiah should bring. It's not surprising. He's not the only one. There were even some rabbis who supported the revolting tendencies of Zealots based on what their messianic expectations were. 

• Nationalism says, "My country and government will provide ultimate meaning. If they don't, I will take measures into my own hands."
• Nationalism says, "I deserve everything I want. If I don't get it, then it's an injustice to me."
• Nationalism says, "I will use every tool at my disposal to justify why my needs are more important than the needs of people who aren't like me; even if that means using the Bible."

But then Jesus doesn't become king; or at least, not in the way they were all expecting. He dies. He is executed on a device that Zealots and nationalists would have abhorred. It was the ultimate symbol reminding them that they weren't in control. And now, the one they had thought would be the Messianic savior to liberate them from Roman oppression was being killed on it. 

Why?

Jesus wasn't a nationalist. He was a Kingdom-ist...if that's a word!?!?

Jesus had a different Kingdom in mind, and therefore, His Kingship must have looked different as well. He is resurrected from death in a miraculous turn of events. 

And then he goes to His followers and says, "Now, we're in charge!" No.

He goes to His followers and says, "Tell everyone to get their swords, because now we fight!" No.

He goes to His followers and says, "We finally have the government at our fingertips!" No. 

• The cross-shaped life says, "The kingdom of this world will never fully provide me with life and ultimate reality. Only the Kingdom of God provides that."
• The cross-shaped life says, "My needs and my desires aren't the most important thing. I live to serve and love others."
• The cross-shaped life says, "I need to learn to read scripture through the lens of Jesus and His ethic of love and justice; even if that means it makes my life harder."

So, when you see a violent riot of people that is politically motivated and people carrying crosses or holding signs that say, "Jesus saves," it is a contradiction. Christ calls us to something much harder with much more eternal significance. For more on this, go HERE.

The symbol of a cross does not equal the symbol of a nation (e.g. a flag, a building, a political leader). The symbol of a cross is equated to the symbol representing love (i.e a heart). The cross=love.

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