In a news article1https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/jesus-was-a-socialist-christiani%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%AE%D9%84ty-in-crisis-as-conservatives-finally-realize-jesus-was-woke/ss-AA1fCwRn#image=2 on social media, there was a claim that Christians were now in shock because it turns out, Jesus is really woke. “Woke ideology,” often referred to as “wokeness,” is a term used to describe a social and political movement. The claim of this movement is that it emerged to address issues related to social injustice, inequality, and systemic discrimination, with a particular focus on race, gender, and other marginalized identities. The article went on to list as proof, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, that He is woke. However, there is no single, universally agreed-upon definition for “woke ideology,” and the term has become a hodgepodge of opinions on its implications and significance. Many of its concepts fail the “common sense” test. Instead of wasting time on defining the undefinable, let’s look at the actual ideology that Jesus shared in His famous Sermon on the Mount and see what His real social movement was all about.
The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is a summary of the teaching given by Jesus Christ. It is found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in chapters Matthew 5-7. This is Jesus’ longest explanation of what it looks like to live as His follower and to serve as a member of God’s Kingdom. It came early in His ministry. These are some of the most well-known and impactful passages in the New Testament. In these verses, Jesus outlines His vision for how His followers should live their lives. To see the NIV Bible translation, just mouse over or click on the verses noted between the ( ). Here is an overview of the key points from the Sermon on the Mount:
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12): Jesus begins His message by presenting a series of blessings for various qualities or attitudes. He is laying out a style of behavior and living for people to follow. These are things like humility, righteousness, mercy, and peacemaking. We call these the “beatitudes.” It is hard to match any of these values and characteristics to the present world today. We find too much hatred to think it even understands the Beatitudes. Let’s not forget that wokeness brought us things like eighty genders and it still insists men can bear children. Here in the opening verses, Jesus is defining what can lead to spiritual fulfillment and blessedness. Many people end here at the Beatitudes but there is much more to the “Sermon on the Mount.”
Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16): Jesus uses metaphors of salt and light to emphasize the roles of His followers in the world. They are to be a “positive influence,” “preserving goodness” and influence others through their actions and character, echoing the true nature of our God. It is hard to think that concepts like “no cash bail,” “street riots,” “drugs,” “open borders,” and “the sinful destruction of our children” have anything to do with salt and light. Those are gifts of liberalism and they don’t compare to any of the values expressed by Jesus in His message.
Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20): This point is critical to our understanding of why Jesus came. He clarifies that He did not come to abolish the Law of Moses but to fulfill it. Jesus teaches that God’s Laws and God’s Truths still count. It is not just about following humanity’s made-up rules and regulations. There are plenty of people who claim they know exactly how everyone must act to be kind, generous, and loving. If you don’t agree with them, they are ready to take you to use the powers of our worldly legal system to stop you. Think of Jesus’s fulfillment of the Law as placing God’s Laws into the human heart where they really reestablish our relationship with God. Jesus has nothing to do with the hatred and divisiveness we see today.
Teaching on Anger, Lust, and Oaths (Matthew 5:21-37): Truth seems almost fleeting these days. It is all about money and power. Anger is no longer used to address sin. If you are against one of humanity’s rules, then you will see true anger. Why else would one of our largest issues within society still be abortion, the killing of helpless children? Just look at the hatred that separates political parties over abortion and other issues. Jesus provides deeper insights into the commandments, also addressing lust and truthfulness. Much of the “wokeness” seen in the world is directed toward redefining God’s Laws as nothing more than an affront to personal rights. Jesus is telling us that it is only God who defines sin!
Love for Enemies (Matthew 5:38-48): This topic is very complex. The era that Jesus was living in was under the tyrannical rule of the Romans. After Jesus’s death, the Jewish nation would attempt to revolt, to fight back. It did not work because their nation was divisive, sinful, and weak. Jesus challenges his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This radical concept demonstrates the transformative power of selfless love. It also was a practical recommendation because He is calling on them to rely on their God to handle worldly problems. Biblical love is to be shown through actions. Praying is one way that we can show love and concern for our enemies. An honest prayer can include asking God to grant them repentance from their destructive ways. Pray that our enemies learn to live the message of the “Lord’s Prayer.“We are to ask God to bring them into a saving relationship with Himself. What better way is there to fix the problem?
Just think of a world where we spent our money on feeding the poor, helping the sick, raising the young, and caring for our planet instead of fighting wars or enriching our legal system. There are 1.3 million lawyers in our nation. The cost of the 20-year war on terror is estimated at $8 trillion and 900,000 deaths. World War I, $381.8 billion; World War II, $4.69 trillion; Korean War, $389.81 billion; Vietnam War $843.63 billion (2019 dollars). There were many more wars too. What could the world have accomplished with all those resources if we managed to get along even a little bit? Maybe prayers for our enemies could have helped. However, the Bible is also filled with examples of God’s enemies. Jesus is just reminding us that we need God’s help to win the fight!
Giving, Prayer, and Fasting (Matthew 6:1-18): Jesus instructs his followers on the proper attitudes and motivations behind acts of charity, prayer, and fasting (the practice of sacrifice). It is here we learn the “Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus encourages them to focus on sincere devotion rather than seeking recognition from others for their charity. Again, it is what’s in the heart that counts. Wokeness is always comparative: who deserves more, black or white, male or female, rich or poor, who is owed reparations? There must always be winners and losers in humanity’s world. Jesus focuses on humility, equality, and forgiveness.
Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-34): Jesus advises against storing earthly treasures and instead emphasizes the importance of creating treasures for God’s kingdom. He encourages trust in God’s provision and care. No one can look at our society today and believe that this is even understood anymore. This is bad news for most humanity, there will be no mobile phones in heaven, no electric expensive cars, and in fact, probably no earthly riches at all. Your earthly treasures will be left behind only to be used by someone else once you are gone.
Judging Others (Matthew 7:1-6): Jesus teaches against hypocritical judgment and emphasizes self-examination before offering criticism to others. Consider how we handle people via their physical appearance, social media, religion, personal relationships, socioeconomic status, mental health issues, disabilities, education, intelligence levels, age, parenting and education, political differences along with the hostility that comes from holding opposing views or just plain lifestyle differences. Jesus requires open-mindedness, empathy, and respect to foster a more inclusive society.
Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7-12): Jesus encourages persistent prayer and faith in God’s willingness to provide good gifts to those who seek Him. Our society is giving up on God. Yes, we are tired and frustrated. Jesus’ answer is never to give up and ask your “Father” (God) for help. It seems that we lose the talent for this once we grow up.
The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12): Jesus introduces the “Golden Rule,” stating that His followers should treat others as they themselves want to be treated. What better simplification of behavior can you think of? You don’t want pain, suffering, hardships, you want empathy, love, and truth. It is that simple!
The Narrow and Wide Gates (Matthew 7:13-14): This is sobering advice. Jesus speaks about the path to eternal life being narrow and challenging, while the path to destruction is wide and inviting. Unless we seek God, we will never find Him. Jesus urges His listeners to choose the path of righteousness and then take it!
True and False Prophets (Matthew 7:15-23): Jesus warns against false prophets and emphasizes that genuine followers are known by their fruit, their good deeds, and their obedience to God. This should be obvious. Turn on the news media, listen to the politicians, and see what you find on your social media feeds. While truth is present, it is often camouflaged or embedded in worldly bias and hatred. You need to spend enough time with God to learn His voice, and His Son’s advice and then listen for the prodding of the Holy Spirit. You cannot get out of this world if you only depend on the information from this world.
The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27): Jesus concludes what is called the Sermon on the Mount with the parable of two builders, one who constructs their house on a solid foundation (obedience to Jesus’ teachings and God’s Truths) and another on sand (living for this world and its pleasures). The former withstands storms, while the latter collapses. It is not only meant as an ending to His sermon but a wake-up call for those who long for the eternal world that lies ahead.
Is Our Savior Woke?
Now that you know what Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, do you think He was speaking to a crowd about racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and more? Was Jesus talking about gender, sexual orientation, or one’s economic status? In His sermon, did He talk about oppression and inequality, criminal justice, education, and employment or their potential biases and discriminatory practices? Did Jesus address the historical and ongoing impacts of white supremacy and colonialism? Maybe you noticed that Jesus used instances of “cancel culture,” to criticize, boycott, or ostracize someone for perceived offensive actions or statements. Personally, I did not find any of the classic attributes assigned to the woke culture in the Sermon on the Mount. What I found is that Jesus offered a plan to every person on earth to share eternity with Him. Jesus is neither liberal nor conservative and belongs to no political party. He is the Incarnate God we all so desperately need. John the Baptist eloquently gave us the reason for Jesus: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29) Jesus didn’t come as a social movement, He didn’t come representing woke ideology. Jesus came to save you and me.
Contemplations
- What do you personally base your opinions on Jesus?
- Ideas to Explore: Read and study the Bible on your own. Read authors who study Jesus’ life. Church, either through pastoral messaging or group studies. Online resources. Social Media.
- If Jesus walked up to you, how would you know it was Him?
- Ideas to Explore: What is your personal image of Jesus? Is there an attribute or mannerism that you will look for? Do you have an image in your mind now?
- Why do you think that people would claim Jesus as a socialist or give Him a woke identity?
- Ideas to Explore: Is it that everyone thinks they are right about the rules of life? Or is it that people want to believe that Jesus will approve them as they are?
- If Jesus was without sin, wouldn’t His life and His words on how to live be perfect to use for ourselves?
- Ideas to Explore: Is any part of humanity perfect? Are people still not admitting they are sinful? Who are our role models?
- 1https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/jesus-was-a-socialist-christiani%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%AE%D9%84ty-in-crisis-as-conservatives-finally-realize-jesus-was-woke/ss-AA1fCwRn#image=2