Jesus was clear and unequivocal about His stance on oppression, injustice, and the oppressors. He condemned all forms of oppression and urged His followers to stand against them. His teachings consistently advocated for the elevation of the oppressed and called for the dismantling of unjust systems that perpetuate inequality. As followers of Christ, we are called to live out these principles, seeking justice, compassion, and equality for all.
In Matthew 23, Jesus directly confronts the Pharisees and scribes, exposing their hypocrisy. He condemns them for burdening others with heavy loads while offering no help. Jesus calls them “blind guides” who “strain out a gnat but swallow a camel” (Matthew 23:24), illustrating their failure to see the bigger picture of justice and mercy. His words remind us of the importance of genuine care and compassion in leadership, rather than oppressive control.
In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus boldly declares His mission to bring liberation to the oppressed: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to proclaim good news to the poor… liberty to the captives… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” His message is radical—a call to action for His followers to work towards freedom, justice, and healing for all who are suffering.
Jesus didn’t just speak about justice – He lived it. In Matthew 7:12, He teaches the Golden Rule: “So in everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” His words remind us that the foundation of justice is empathy – treating others with the same dignity, respect, and love we would desire for ourselves.
The call for justice is also reflected in the Old Testament. In Isaiah 1:17, God commands His people: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” These words mirror Jesus’ ministry, as He called for His followers to stand up for the marginalised and oppressed, working for systemic change that reflects God’s justice.
In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus identifies Himself with the oppressed, saying that acts of compassion toward the poor, the sick, the stranger, and the imprisoned are acts of service unto Him. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” His words show us that in caring for those who are most vulnerable, we are serving Christ Himself.
Micah 6:8 echoes Jesus’ call for justice: “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” This verse encapsulates God’s desire for His people to live with justice and compassion at the heart of all they do, walking humbly in the knowledge that true justice is rooted in mercy and love.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus courageously confronted those in power, whether they were political figures like Pontius Pilate or religious leaders like the Pharisees. He exposed their complicity in perpetuating oppressive systems. In John 2:15-16, Jesus takes action, overturning the tables of the money changers in the temple: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of robbers.” This act symbolises Jesus’ opposition to exploitation and injustice, both in religious and secular systems.
Jesus also aligned Himself with society’s outcasts—tax collectors, lepers, women, and sinners. He challenged the status quo, offering love, healing, and redemption to those rejected by society. In John 8:7, He defends a woman caught in adultery, saying, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” His words exemplify the call for mercy, justice, and the rejection of oppressive judgment.
In Proverbs 31:8-9, we are reminded of our duty: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This principle resonates throughout Jesus’ ministry, urging His followers to use their voices to advocate for the vulnerable and oppressed.
At the heart of Jesus’ message is love, and love cannot coexist with oppression. In Matthew 22:39, He commands: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Love, for Jesus, is the greatest commandment—a love that transcends all social, racial, and economic barriers, calling us to see and value the dignity of every human being.
Even in the letters of His apostles, such as Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-25, where the relationships between slaves and masters are addressed, the message is not one of endorsement of oppression, but rather an acknowledgment of the historical realities of the time. Paul reminds both slaves and masters that they are equally accountable to God, and that God’s ultimate plan is one of freedom, equality, and dignity for all people. Galatians 3:28 powerfully states: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
As followers of Jesus Christ, we must embrace this truth: His life and ministry are a blueprint for justice, equality, and love. We are called to actively reject systems and practices that oppress others and to stand with the oppressed. Jesus was unapologetically open about His commitment to justice, and He commands us to do the same. We must spread His love, so even the oppressors might repent, come to the truth, and experience true freedom through Him. As Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
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