WWJD | What Would Jesus Do?

As today is Christmas (or yesterday by the time of this posting), it's appropriate to recognize the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, two millennia ago in Bethlehem (which, per Google Maps, is a 34 minute drive to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel - wink). Christ was born under humble circumstances but because he knew who He was, he transcended all social, religious and political constructs.

While he performed miracles like #walkedonwater and #raisedthedead, the most self-righteous of Jews, the Pharisees, refused to accept his claim as the Messiah. In one notable attempt, they tried to bamboozle Christ into making a public gaffe by posing this politically-sticky question:

"Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?"

The subterfuge is this: 1. If Christ were to assert that he was indeed the Son of God, then they would accuse him of treason against the Roman government; 2. If he deferred to Caesar, then they would accuse him of being unholy.

"But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, 'Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it?'"

"They answered and said, 'Caesar's'. And he said unto them, 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.'"

"And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace." -Luke 20:22-26

Jesus was savage AF. And understandably so. He was just trying to do his job (save the world) but the Jews had zero chill, refused to listen, and they eventually crucified him.

Despite this dramatic conclusion, this was actually a preface to his resurrection (#comeback) three days later. During this short time, I believe he visited the Hawaiian people:

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." -John 10:16

The Hawaiians knew Jesus Christ. This is why the "Aloha Spirit" exists - it is the pure love of Christ. I could go on and on with myriad arguments and proofs (another blog, maybe) but suffice to say, the Hawaiians and Jesus were tight.

Anyway, I've wondered, if Jesus were here today which political party would he choose?

Let me illustrate the answer with the Parable of the Talents: A master gave each of his servants five, two and one talent(s), respectively. A talent is worth 20 years of wages; so the equivalent of millions' of dollars in today's currency. The master then sailed off to Ibiza to party for the summer. In the meantime, the servants with five and two talents both invested and doubled their master's money. The remaining servant dug a hole and buried his talent in the ground (uh-oh).

When the master returned, he was naturally pleased with the servants that doubled their talents: "Well done...thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things..." However, he put the last on blast:

"Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gathered where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." -Matt 25:26-30

I bet that this servant was shooketh.

Obviously, personal responsibility (a Conservative value - double wink) is of paramount importance in this narrative. Every once of us has been given talents and regardless of how many, we are expected to be productive or face consequences.

And this is why I think Jesus would be Unapologetically Conservative today. While he taught compassion, he did not preach hopelessness. Hawaii does not need more welfare programs like a universal basic income to further lull our people into complacency. God gave us enough to become great - if we so choose.

And if for some reason Christ makes a cameo at Hawaii's 2018 legislative session, I imagine he'll make another whip out of chords and drive all the loony liberals out of the Hawaii State Capitol as he did the money changers at the Temple. Love ya, Jesus. #JesusTaketheWhip

Amen | Pau