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Jesus’ Message, Division, and Standing Against Injustice

Jesus’ Message, Division, and Standing Against Injustice

Last updated on: November 11, 2024 at 5:33 am by Matthew Distefano

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Jesus’ Message, Division, and Standing Against Injustice 2024-11-10T18:34:05-06:00 Matthew Distefano

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When Jesus told his disciples to dust off their feet when their message wasn’t received, he wasn’t being petty or advocating for cancel culture. He was pointing to a deeper truth: not everyone is willing to embrace the kingdom of god—a kingdom built on love, justice, and radical inclusion. Jesus also warned that his message would divide families, and the cost of following him might be estrangement from those closest to us.

Here we are, 2,000 years later, living in the tension of those words. Nowhere is this division more obvious than in our polarized political climate. And for me, it becomes painfully clear in conversations about MAGA and Donald Trump.

The True Cost of Alignment

To stand with MAGA and Trump is to stand against victims of sexual assault. It’s to turn a blind eye to the dozens of credible allegations against a man who bragged about his predatory behavior. Voting for him means dismissing the pain and trauma of those who have been silenced, ignored, or mocked.

But it doesn’t stop there. Supporting MAGA means tolerating policies that dehumanize migrants, rip families apart at borders, and perpetuate systemic racism. It means ignoring the relentless attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals who are simply trying to live their lives authentically.

Jesus once said, “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” To stand with those who perpetuate harm is to stand against the very values Jesus lived and died for.

Division Isn’t the Goal, but Sometimes It’s Necessary

Let’s be clear: I don’t advocate division for division’s sake. I don’t relish the idea of families breaking apart over political disagreements. But Jesus was upfront about the cost of following him. His message is radical and demands that we stand with the oppressed, even when it costs us relationships.

This is where the paradox of tolerance comes into play. Philosopher Karl Popper argued that to maintain a tolerant society, we must refuse to tolerate intolerance. If we extend unchecked tolerance to those who perpetuate fear and hatred, we end up enabling their harm.

So yes, I will divide. I will stand with the victims rather than their oppressors. I will dust off my feet when confronted with those who use their power to harm others. To tolerate them is to betray the very people Jesus called us to defend.

The Problem with “Unity”

Some argue that we need unity above all else, that we should find common ground and bridge divides. But unity without accountability isn’t unity—it’s complicity. Turning a blind eye to injustice for the sake of peace doesn’t create harmony; it creates a vacuum where harm can flourish.

Jesus didn’t preach a gospel of false unity. He preached a gospel of truth and justice. And sometimes, truth disrupts. Sometimes, justice divides.

Where I Stand

I’ve been told that my refusal to tolerate MAGA rhetoric or Trump’s policies makes me divisive, unkind, or even unchristian. But I’d rather be labeled divisive than stand silently while harm is done. I’d rather stand with the migrant, the LGBTQ+ individual, and the Black American than appease those who thrive on fear and hatred.

Dusting off our feet isn’t about giving up on people; it’s about recognizing when someone is unwilling to embrace the values of love, justice, and inclusion—and refusing to enable their harm.

A Challenge for All of Us

If we’re serious about following Jesus, we need to ask ourselves some hard questions. Are we willing to stand with the least of these, even when it costs us relationships? Are we willing to reject false unity for true justice? Are we ready to dust off our feet and walk away from those who perpetuate harm, even if they’re family?

I know where I stand. I stand with the victims. I stand with the marginalized. And I hope you will too—not because division is the goal, but because justice is.

In the end, we all face a choice. Will we stand with the powerful or the powerless? With the oppressors or the oppressed? As for me, I’m dusting off my feet and choosing the kingdom of god. And yes, that choice might divide us. But if division is the cost of standing for what’s right, so be it.

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About Matthew J. Distefano

Matthew J. DiStefano is a writer and business owner dedicated to exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and social justice. He is the author of The Wisdom of Hobbits and the host of the High Minds Podcast, as well as co-host of the Heretic Happy Hour podcast. Matthew engages in open and thought-provoking conversations that challenge conventional beliefs and promote inclusivity. His work centers on dismantling harmful ideologies and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and a more compassionate understanding of spirituality. As a farmer and owner of Happy Woods Farm, Matthew also embraces the joy of cultivating the land and nurturing a sustainable lifestyle. With a unique blend of humor and insight, he invites readers to question, reflect, and ultimately find freedom in their beliefs. You can read more about the author here.

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