“The high priests and religion scholars were looking for a way to do away with Jesus.” (Luke 22:2 MSG)
Jesus was an agitator. He refused to be complaisant. He often asked thought-provoking questions, disrupting the status quo. He spoke out against hypocrisy and injustice. The religious leaders did not appreciate being challenged; thus, He was crucified.
In 1517, Martin Luther, a German priest, questioned the Catholic Church’s dogma which led to the Protestant Reformation. He was excommunicated. A few centuries later, Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister, led the Civil Rights movement. Using nonviolent, civil disobedience tactics, he challenged a ‘Christian Nation’ about the way they treated minorities in their midst. He was assassinated.
Most societies encourage preservation of the establishment over exploration of truth. Anyone who speaks up against institutional beliefs can be seen as confrontational rebels. Even nonviolent protest can be divisive. Yet, this struggle is necessary for transformation. It’s a lot like tilling up hard ground before gardening; it’s unsettling but essential for future growth.
“Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I've come to disrupt and confront! (Luke 12:51 MSG)
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