IN TH OSE days — and even today — to hate, fight and take revenge on your enemies was a duty. We note that the war in Gaza today is fueled by hatred and revenge. Here was a man teaching the opposite. (Matthew 18:21–22) Even Peter could not accept that teaching: “Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often can my brother sin against me, and I will forgive him. As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” At another time, Jesus said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)
The Man from Nazareth was bringing a radical new challenge to all people, preaching love of neighbor, forgiveness and peacemaking. Jesus was a man of incredible intelligence. Some would even describe him as a genius. He was frustrated living in an ultra-conservative society dominated by strict religious leaders and occupied by a foreign power. It was a society that refused to embrace goodness, love and compassion.
One day, his critics tried to trap and brand him a rebel against Rome. They came to Jesus and asked: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Since the Romans were hated and if Jesus said, “Yes, it is lawful,” he would alienate many followers. If he said “no,” he would be charged and condemned for sedition by the Romans.
He asked to see a coin and then asked them: “Whose head is on this coin?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. “Then give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Matthew 22:17). This shows the kind of man Jesus was: smart, wise and capable of outwitting his critics who were trying to bring him down. It was a very stressful situation for him and his followers.
Today, we see the same tactics playing out as oppressive Philippine authorities try to trap human rights workers and peace activists with trumped-up charges as they “red-tag” and brand them as rebels, like what Jesus’ critics tried to do. Human nature has remained the same.
The true faith of the people of God is an unwavering belief that in taking action to help the victims of exploitation, abuse, poverty and oppression, they will win in the end. Like Jesus, we must never compromise with wrongdoing because goodness and truth will overcome evil. If anyone wants to know and see God, he just has to look at the life, words and deeds of Jesus of Nazareth./PN
