Jesus the Chaos Bringer

“As a matter not of Atonement theory but political reality Jesus deserved to die, as many a man has died before and since, for taking a hatchet to the life-line of society, the slow, responsible shaping of the future from the past. His way was the way of political and social chaos, and society is entitled to protect itself against those who bring chaos in their wake. Those hungry hordes too, will bring chaos in their wake. And we will be forced, in the interest of good order and stability and decency to resist them. By so doing, we shall be resisting Jesus the Chaos Bringer. Yet we have no more option about resisting Him than had good honest Jews in the days of His flesh, concerned for the stability of their society. Because the logical consequence of all Jesus did and said is chaos, only those with nothing to lose can really follow Him for they alone have no fear of chaos. Certainly those with much to lose can accept Him as Personal Savior at the cost of some personal sacrifice, but as the Bringer of the New Era only the mad or utterly desperate can follow Him.” (64)

“In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’” (Luke 4:33-34)

I always find it interesting that the man with an unclean demon, who is concerned that Jesus has come to “destroy us,” is a man who happens to be in the synagogue.