christ

How to Transform
Society
Jesus’ Action Plan

Session 9
 role-play: the religious and the revolutionary1
Before the session:
• Make two photocopies—one for each character.
• Select two group members.
• Have them read the role-play “the religious and the revolutionary to prepare
for the role play.

As the session begins:

One will play the part of a revolutionary (RVL) and the other a religious person
(REL). Rel is kneeling, praying, holding a Bible and a Hymnbook. Rev enters,
also carrying the Bible plus a book by Che Guevara (or another revolutionary
leader).

Role Play
RVL: What’s up? How are you doing?

REL: Fine, thanks. How did you like the study on the Kingdom of
God? Interesting, huh?

RVL: Yes, very interesting. For me, it is the key message in the Bible.

REL: Yes, brother, for me also. I see that we are coming to the principal
roots of our faith.

RVL: at’s it! If Christ came preaching and living the Kingdom, we
also have to live it.

REL: Amen!

RVL: What I like even more is that it isn’t only a beautiful ideal, but also
a form of living, a discipline. I like the practical things.

REL: Amen!

RVL: at’s great that we agree on this! Speaking of this, do you want
xx
to become part of an action committee where members of
minutes different churches are working together to expose corruption in
the government? We are actually planning a public march this
weekend in front of the palace to ask the city mayor to implement
measures that will give more transparency to the way the public
budget is managed? It’s going to be well planned. ey say the
press is going to be there to take photos.

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 REL: What?! You’re not serious?!

RVL: Yes, sir! e poor and even some middle class are protesting. So
much money is being lost through corruption – money that could
be invested in roads, schools, health centers, job creation – you
name it. It’s a question of the justice that we saw in the study. It’s
our duty as Christians to support such efforts – that’s why a
number of churches have joined hands to support this cause!

REL: No, brother. is isn’t good. It’s better that I stay here and pray
for you all. God can fight for justice.

RVL: What a hypocrite you are! e Bible that you carry says that you
must look for justice for the poor and see that those in power don’t
abuse their power. ose politicians continue to steal money
unchecked – money that belongs to the people. Money that could
do a lot to alleviate suffering! e Bible says that we have to
support the people who suffer because of injustice.

REL: Yes, brother, but spiritually – no more. In heaven, God will repay
the injustices. Meanwhile, our duty is to pray and fast and save
souls from this wretched earth. is is what God wants of us.
Besides, it may mean violence, and the Bible is against violence.

RVL: (With anger) ose are the words of cowardice! Wasn’t Jesus
himself a revolutionary? He ran out the businessmen from the
temple with a whip! And God sent Israel to eliminate the nations
from the Promised Land because of sins and injustices. . . . Doesn’t
the Bible say, “ere is no greater love than to lay down your life
for your friends?” . . . Well, I, for my part, am not afraid! I’m ready
to die in the search for justice for our people! Our faith isn’t a
faith of words, but of action! If it requires violence, so be it!

REL: No, no, brother. You are mistaken. Our responsibility is spiritual.
What happens to a man if he dies of hunger? If he has Christ, at
least he has a heavenly home. Our work is to preach – no more.
God does the rest.

RVL: Ok, then . . . Tell me why there are more references in the New
Testament to Jesus healing and doing miracles than preaching?
Why, in the Old Testament, in verse after verse, did God condemn
the religious of Israel for their lack of mercy to the poor? Why
does James say, “Faith without works is dead?” at faith is good
for nothing! . . . I’m seeing now, friend, that your faith without
works is simply a pretext to cover your complacency and
cowardice. It’s a repugnant religiosity to my Christ! How are you

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 able to say to a man you love him – and leave him to die of
hunger? Your words are only that – words. ey don’t have
meaning. at’s living a lie! e Gospel means liberation!

REL: No, it isn’t that I do nothing. I give myself to praying, to

intercession and I evangelize. I feel compassion and sadness. If
God doesn’t help them, it’s not for me to know why. He’s
sovereign. Sometimes, people are reaping the consequences of
what they have sown. But I do pray and invite them to church,
and I know I’m doing what He’s asked me to do.

RVL: If what you’re doing is enough, Christ would have approved the
Levite and condemned the Samaritan for helping the injured
man. But Christ condemned the Levite! It is the Samaritan who
loved his neighbor in the way that God approves.

REL: Do you honestly think we can resolve the problems of the world?
Isn’t it true that Christ said that the poor always are going to be
with us?

RVL: Yes . . . but that doesn’t mean our responsibility is less.

REL: Don’t get carried away by a social gospel that will involve you in
bad situations while it may even build up your own ego. We are
citizens of the Kingdom of God. Our methods are not of this
world. Stop trying to fix everything yourself— you’re not God!
Come on . . . let’s really pray together for the poor and those
suffering from injustice and corruption and ask God to bless
them.

RVL: No! e time of praying is past – it’s time for action!

REL: Socialist!

RVL: Pharisee!

REL: Humanist!

RVL: Hypocrite!

After the Role Play: Group Discussion

• What did you see in the role-play? What was the problem?
• Why is it important to understand what the Kingdom of God is?
• What suggestions would you give each of the brothers in the role-
play?

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 scripture study: how to transform society - jesus’ action
plan
Introduction
Jesus was not simply a religious figure in his time. In Luke 4 he defined
his mission as establishing Jubilee in his nation; he truly sought to
transform his society. So though Jesus never formally sought to enter into
party politics, his actions and message were deeply political – seeking to
change the way the nation was run. is is evident in John 10, where Jesus
compares his leadership with the corrupt leadership of his times. He was
determined to lead those who accepted his vision as their good shepherd –
their good leader – willing to lay down his life so they could live life in
abundance, whereas the nation’s leaders were only out to oppress and
exploit their subjects in order to enrich themselves. In order to establish
Shalom in Palestine and make his God-given vision come true, then, he
engaged in a four-pronged plan of action.

1. Expose the Lies of the Systems & Reach the Ruling Elite
2. Reach the Common People & Outline an Alternative Vision for
Society
3. Create an Alternative Social Structure that would Practice the Truths
of the New Kingdom
4. Establish a Powerful Disciple-based Movement & Confront the
Powers that Be

Scripture Study 1: Expose the Lies of the Systems & Reach the Ruling Elite
Preaching and proclamation is the prerequisite for building up a
movement: it liberates by spreading truth, i.e. by
undercutting the intellectual foundation of an
exploitative system. Since untruth is the
foundation of slavery, proclamation of truth and an
alternative vision, therefore, is a basic means of
setting people f ree f rom oppression and
exploitation. Jesus said, “en you will know the
truth and the truth will set you free” ( John 8:32).2
By spreading the truth about his New Kingdom
Jesus hoped to unmask the intellectual and demonic foundation of Israel’s
corrupt political, religious and economic systems. He invited the ruling
elite to abandon the status quo and their dehumanizing behavior. When
they didn’t listen, he began uncovering their wrongdoings in front of the
people, luring the covert systemic and demonic evil out of the shadows
and into the light, hoping that this would mobilize them to repentance.

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 Reflect on the following questions as you read the texts assigned to your group.
Discuss the questions and be prepared to share your findings with the entire
class.

• Who is the ‘target’ of Jesus’ action?

• What does he intend to be the result of this action?
• How is he trying to uncover the lies of the systems?
• What does this action have to do with inviting the ruling elite to
change the oppressive domination of the people?
• In what ways can Jesus’ actions inform our own ministries?

1) How Jesus exposed the lies of the Economic System:

Group 1: Read Luke 16:19-31
Group 2: Read Mark 10:17-31
Group 3: Read Luke 12:13-21

2) How Jesus exposed the lies of the Political System:

Group 1: Read Mark 12:13-17
Group 2: Read Group 3: John 5:1-17 & 45-47;
Group 3: Read John 9:6-34

3) How Jesus exposed the lies of the Religious System:

Group 1: Read Mark 7:1-16/Luke 5:27-32/Matthew 9:1-8
Group 2: Read Luke 10:25-37

Summary
As we saw, Jesus was not scared to expose the lies of the Establishment
(members of the imperial society’s elite) and confront those who
promoted the status quo of Israel’s corrupt economic, political and
religious systems. His words, work, and actions exposed that they acquired
their wealth through the temple industry, various land holdings, tithes, and
direct taxes that deprived the people of food, clothing, health, and security.
In defending the status quo and their alliance with Rome, they hindered
people from knowing God’s empire, exposed people to hardship and
violence, and practiced injustice and deceit.3

Jesus’ confrontation tactics, then, was an attempt to persuade the Jewish

leadership to change its ways. As we can see throughout the pages of the
Gospels, Jesus wasn’t opposed to the rich and wealthy and powerful based
on principle. Instead, he was glad to meet with Nicodemus, an aristocratic
Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin. Rich Joseph of Arimathea, a
silent sympathizer, later donated his tomb. Jarius, the ruler of the
synagogue, had his daughter healed when he reached out to Jesus. e
rich young ruler, most likely an aristocratic Sadducee, conversed with
Jesus. Jesus loved him and I’m sure the young man felt loved that day!
Jesus also said to him: “Come and follow me!” Numerous of these men of

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 wealth, prestige and influence, then, sought him out. ey apparently
perceived an unusual openness and acceptance.4 Unfortunately though,
with just a few exceptions, Jesus’ yearning to see the Jewish elite turn from
their unjust ways remained unfulfilled. What he called them to do was
too much for them!

Scripture Study 2: Reach the Marginalized & Outline an Alternative Vision

for Society
It is not enough to stir a society or to judge a blind
Establishment. If the leadership does not repent, if
it does not decide to fulfill its responsibility, then it
becomes our task to seek to provide an alternative.
Much of Jesus’ ministry, thus, was dedicated to reach
the masses and share with them an alternative vision
for society – a new understanding of what God’s
intention was for his people – a new understanding
of the Kingdom of God. He cared for the
marginalized masses not only through words
(preaching and teaching), but incarnated God’s love tangibly through
deeds (healings), and signs (casting out demons). It was to this underclass
that Jesus intentionally directed much of His life and ministry. To change
society, he knew, he needed to change the oppressed. Jesus was deeply
grieved to see how they had accepted the lies spread by the Establishment
and demonic powers and consequently, internalized their inferior status
and perpetuated the sinful structures of society. “When he saw the
crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and
helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36) He truly loved
people and esteemed them worthy of respect and appreciation because of
what they were: bearers of the divine image. at’s why he also called
them to repent of their sins – including false beliefs – which kept them in
mental slavery.

Reflect on the following questions as you read the texts assigned to your group.
Discuss the questions and be prepared to share your findings with the entire
class.

• Who is Jesus reaching out to?

• How is he reaching out? What is the good news of the Kingdom
according to this passage? What does Jesus intend to be the result of
his action? What does this action have to do with the oppressive
domination of the people by the systems?
• In what ways can Jesus’ actions inform our own ministries?

Group 1: Matthew 4:23-25; Mark 1:32-34; Luke 7:20-23

Group 2: Read Luke 9:1-13
Group 3: Read Luke 19:1-10

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 Group 4: Read Luke 15:1-32

Summary
By preaching the gospel to the poor, healing the brokenhearted,
proclaiming release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and
letting the oppressed go free, Jesus sought to change the oppressed and
show the common people an alternative vision for society. He sought to
create a critical awareness in society that their values and institutions were
fundamentally wrong. He sought to inspire people with hope for a better
future. His words and actions gave people the faith that a change for the
better was possible; that a better alternative was in fact available.

Scripture Study 3: Create an Alternative Social Structure that would

Practice the Truths of the Kingdom
Add missing picture?
Apart from exposing the lies of the corrupted systems, and outlining an
alternate vision to the common people – to bring about a fundamental
change in the evil institutions of a society, one needs to create an
alternative social structure – a powerful people-movement which seeks to
live out the truths of the alternate vision.5 us, Jesus invited those who
accepted his message into a new social structure. ey were to become his
followers, part of a renewed community that would live the reality of
Shalom and show to a nation in need, that change for the better was
possible; that a better alternative was in fact available. His ministry, thus,
had purposes other than healing, casting out demons, or forgiving the sins
of individuals. He didn’t call people into solitude and isolation. He didn’t
call them just into a personal relationship with God. He called them into
a new family of brothers and sisters, itself a sign of the arriving Kingdom.
He invited everyone to become a part of God’s better story of grace and
glory.6

Reflect on the following questions as you read the texts assigned to your group.
Discuss the questions and be prepared to share your findings with the entire
class.

• Who made up Jesus’ group of disciples? As you read these verses, pay
particular attention to the names and occupations of the disciples to
understand better who made up Jesus’ group of disciples.
• What does this ‘make-up’ say about Jesus’ vision of an alternative
social structure? In other words, how did Jesus envision this
alternative community to look like?
• What made Jesus’ group of disciples distinctive from other
communities and social structures of that time?
• In what ways can Jesus’ actions inform our own ministries?

Group 1: Read Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-15

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 Group 2: Read Matt. 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 8:1-3; 10:38-42
Group 3: Read Matt. 12:46-50; 19:29-30; 23:8-12
Group 4: Read Matt. 6:14-15; 18:21-35; Luke 17:3-4
Group 5: Read Mark 10:35-45; Luke 22:25-27; John 13:2-17+34; 15:11-13;
17:20-23

Summary
When Jesus called these disciples to form the building stones of the
alternative society he was envisioning, he invested many hours and much
headache in them. He withdrew with them into the desert for extended
periods of leadership training. He challenged them to repent of their old
ways, become free from the power of sin in their individual lives, and seek
the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. In doing so he was
preparing them for their role as an alternative community to establish
God’s Kingdom of Shalom. Joining the disciple group required
repentance and a change of loyalties from all members. It required
reconciliation with God, with others and with themselves. Jesus requested
that those men and women, clergy and laity, fishermen, tax collectors,
matrons, former prostitutes, affluent and poor, who sincerely wanted to
follow him, come together because they had experienced the forgiveness of
sins and the grace of God in their lives. He demanded a completely new
type of relationship between these divergent people. e people of God
who he sought to gather was to be an alternative society. ey were to be
a distinct community with its own set of values that would contrast with
many conventional values of the dominant society. Its members were to
treat each other according to Shalom principles: Religion of relationships,
economics of stewardship and sharing, politics of justice were to
characterize them. In such a way they would show the true character of
Shalom to a nation in a deep identity crisis and show them what they were
foregoing by believing the lies of the dominant power structures. ey
would become a sign to the goodness of God’s Kingdom to others in the
nation; a light and hope to those in the nation who continued in captivity
to anger, bitterness and internalized oppression. A
sign that another society IS possible!

Scripture Study 4: Establish a Powerful Disciple-

based Movement & Confront the Powers that Be
Jesus never envisioned the people of God he sought
to gather as a purely spiritual, purely religious
community – as a society in human hearts; a
society in which members would be nice to each
other, provide harmless services, uphold personal
ethics, and in such a way become a testimony to
those around them. While Jesus doubtlessly wanted his community of
disciples to gain spiritual maturity and live ethically, he wanted much

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 more. A fresh look at the Gospels shows that Jesus carefully built a large
following. Even though it is true that in many cases the ‘Sunday school
Jesus’ confines himself only to the changing of human’s hearts, the Jesus of
the Gospels aimed at changing both human hearts and human society.7
Indeed, Jesus would have been much less of a threat to the nation’s leaders,
had he not gathered a community of followers around him. A wandering
vagabond isn’t much of a threat to the established order.8

Jesus’ intent was to build up a faith-filled disciple-based movement

through his teaching, preaching and healing which was not just another
religious sect, but would become an alternative centre of power in Israel
and later beyond Israel. A power structure/people movement that would
challenge the status quo and expand the vision of Jubilee to the nation. A
power structure that would confront the corrupted economic, religious and
political systems with truth, expose their lies and become a witness to the
nations of the true nature of God’s Kingdom of Shalom. us his message
was radical. We could easily summarize Jesus’ work on earth as building a
disciple-based movement that would be a moral force, a social force, and a
courageous force.

Reflect on the following questions as you read the texts assigned to your group.
Discuss the questions and be prepared to share your findings with the entire
class.

Group 1: Moral Force

Read Matt. 5:19-20; 7:15-21; Luke 6:46-49
• In what ways was Jesus’ disciple-based movement to be a moral force?
• What did Jesus require of his disciples – of all who wanted to follow
him?
• What made a person belong to Jesus’ Shalom community?
• Why is this so important, according to Jesus?
• If the actions of a movement don’t match its words, what happens?
• What happens to a person who teaches the laws of the Kingdom, but
minimally fulfills or obeys them?
• In your observation, do people make an impact if they do not practice
what they teach? Why or why not?

Group 2: Social Force

Read Matt. 5:13-16; Matt. 25:31-46; Luke 9:1-6
• How did Jesus prepare his disciples?
• What did he call them to?
• What tasks specifically did he give them?
• What was the purpose of the disciples’ actions?
• In what ways was Jesus’ disciple-based movement to be a social force?
• What happens to a person who teaches and obeys Kingdom laws?

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 • Who has impacted your life by practicing what they have taught?
How?

Group 3: Courageous Force

Read Matt. 10:28-31; 16:21-28; Luke 9:57-62; 14:25-33; John 10:11
• What did Jesus ask of his disciples?
• How did he challenge them?
• What costs were involved?
• What kind of power did Jesus go after?

Summary
Jesus’ disciple-based movement was a moral force in contrast to the
immoral Jewish Establishment and Roman Empire. Jesus had not only
healed people but also called them to ‘stop sinning’. He called his
followers to righteousness which ‘surpasses that of the Pharisees and the
teachers of the Law’ (Matt. 5:20) and a leadership style that didn’t “lord it
over people like the Gentile rulers did.

It was a social force that stood up for the smallest of people in contrast to
the Establishment which protected the interests of the powerful exploiters
such as the temple traders whom Jesus called robbers. Jesus treated the
marginalized with dignity and sought to bring physical and spiritual
healing to those who suffered and sought help. He called his followers to
serve ‘the least important ones’, the hungry, the naked, the sick, the
homeless, the prisoners (Matt 25: 31-46). He desired for them to become
like a city shining on a hill – known by their good works.

It was a courageous force. It required a determination to stand for the

protection of the harassed and helpless sheep to the point of the laying
down of one’s own life ( John 10:1-12). is was a contrast to the Jewish
Establishment which was concerned primarily for its own safety and well-
being, and in the face of the Roman threat was prepared to sacrifice the
interests of the common people ( John 11:45-48). No wonder, his disciple-
based movement became a threat to the status quo not only naturally, but
also intentionally, because it was the very antithesis of all that the
Establishment represented.

Group Dialog: What are Your Reactions to Jesus’ Action Plan to Transform
Society
• In what ways can Jesus’ actions inform our own ministries?
• How do Jesus’ actions challenge your church’s ministry?

If you truly want to follow Jesus’ action plan, then reflect on the following
questions:
• Where are you, as a church, called to expose the lies of the systems?
Which lies?

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 endnotes
1 Adapted from e Harvest Foundation, Leadership Development Training Program
Level 1, ird Printing, 11-1; 11-17 to 11-18
2 Vishal Mangalwadi, Truth and Social Reform, 40
3 Warren Carter, Matthew and Empire, 81
4 Donald Kraybill, e Upside-Down Kingdom, 247
5 Vishal Mangalwadi, Truth and Social Reform, 45
6 Brian McLaren, e Story We Find Ourselves In, 169
7 Vishal Mangalwadi, Truth and Social Reform, 20
8 Donald Kraybill, e Upside-Down Kingdom, 303

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