Would Jesus win if He ran for political office? This probably sounds like an odd question. I’ll explain below, but it will lead to a far more important question: Who is Jesus? According to Christianity, His identity has eternal consequences for each of us. Who did He claim to be?
According to the Bible, Jesus claimed to be God, in both His words and actions.
POLITICS
Last week the New York Post published an article about an upcoming election in 2021.[1] It is for the next mayor of New York City (NYC). According to the article, almost 70% of voters in NYC are registered as Democrat; and, in this post-Trump era, it’s unlikely that a Republican will win. Although Republicans have been elected mayor in NYC, this year it is deemed doubtful.
If you don’t live in New York City, why should you care?
The article grabbed my intention because it included a reference to Jesus. John Catsimatidis, a GOP candidate for NYC mayor in 2013, agreed that a Republican was unlikely to win. But consider how he made this point via a phone text:
“In the current environment in NYC if Jesus Christ ran as a Republican he would LOSE.”[2] (underline added)
I don’t know Mr. Catsimatidis and have no reason to believe he meant this with any level of disrespect. I assume it was intended to be an obvious exaggeration to make a point. In other words, it is impossible for a Republican to win that office right now.
But does Mr. Catsimatidis fully comprehend what he just said? By the end of this article, I’m going to reword his question to make a specific point.
RELIGION
Many people consider Jesus to be a famous religious leader. While that gets little dispute, Christians believe He is far greater. According to Christianity, Jesus is God, who descended in the form of a man; and, His identity is essential to the redemption of humankind.
Obviously not everyone believes that to be true, but it is very important to understand that this is who Jesus claimed to be. How do we know that?
First, there are multiple accounts in the Bible where Jesus, based on His words, indicated He is God.[3] Below are a couple examples:
One of the most direct was the answer He gave to the Jewish high priest. When questioned whether He is the Son of God, Jesus affirmed it and made reference to a prophecy in Daniel. The high priest then tore his clothes and accused Jesus of blasphemy, which is claiming to be God. (Mark 14:61-64)
Another example is when Jesus took the name “I AM” (John 8:58), which is the same name God disclosed in the Old Testament when speaking with Moses (Exodus 3:14).
What I find especially interesting though, is that Jesus also did actions that only God would do.[4] Below are a couple examples:
He forgave sins, which according to Jewish religion can only be done by God (Mark 2:5-7).
Jesus accepted worship (Matthew 14:33). Worship only be directed to God, which even Jesus confirmed (Luke 4:8).
So Jesus clearly indicated He is God. His disciples also claimed He is God. For more information – see Jesus Identity.
What are the implications of this claim? C.S. Lewis, renowned Christian author, discussed the famous, Lord, Liar, Lunatic concept.[5] It goes as follows: If Jesus claimed to be God, there are really only three options for His identity.
Liar: Jesus is not God, and He knew it.
Lunatic: Jesus is not God, but really believed He was.
Lord: Jesus truly is God.
There are no other options. Some people may refer to Jesus as simply a religious teacher or prophet, implying that He is not God, but Jesus did not leave open that possibility. In making this claim to be God, He eliminated those options. According Christian apologists Norman Geisler and Frank Turek, Jesus could not be a great moral teacher if He lied about His identity; and, the profound things He said, makes lunatic unlikely.[6]
So was Jesus correct? I think there are good reasons to believe Jesus proved He is God. Given that, let’s reword what Mr. Catsimatidis said, substituting “Jesus Christ” for “God”.
“In the current environment in NYC if [God] ran as a Republican he would LOSE.”
Does that seem different? Perhaps more bold and blasphemous? If Christianity is true, that’s essentially what was said. To say that people would not vote for God is outrageous. Again, I’m not suggesting that the remark was meant to be literal or there was intent to be offensive, but it is vital we understand the ultimate truth of Jesus’ identity.
Let me close by saying, I’m confident Jesus is not interested in being mayor of New York City. He already has a much bigger job. He is Lord of all – heaven and earth.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18 NIV)
Summary Point:
Jesus claimed to be God, which has a direct impact on our eternal destiny.
[1] https://nypost.com/2021/01/17/nyc-republicans-urged-to-change-registration-for-mayoral-primary/ [2] https://nypost.com/2021/01/17/nyc-republicans-urged-to-change-registration-for-mayoral-primary/ [3] Geisler, Norman L. Turek, Frank. I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. (Crossway Books: Wheaton, IL © 2004), pp.340-345. [4] Geisler, Turek, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, pp.340-345. [5] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (HarperCollins Publishers: New York, NY © 1980), p.52. [6] Geisler, Turek, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, p.346.
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