What would Jesus do… to Duterte?

This is perhaps the most famous line of the ‘90s. Almost every Filipino hopped on the trend and wore shirts and wristbands bearing its acronym, “WWJD,” and it served not just a fashion statement, but a guiding force among Filipino Christians.

And yet, its relevance has not faded, especially now. This is because whenever something happens wherein an individual practicing the Christian faith has to make a life decision, he or she should first ask: “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?”

Our society is once again in ruckus over President Duterte’s remarks about God in one of his speeches, and perhaps a lot have been asking “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO… to DUTERTE?” – had Christ been alive today.

Would He ask the President to apologize to the nation like what Bro. Eddie Villanueva and other church leaders are suggesting? Before I digress, let me just make myself clear: I AM NOT SAYING THAT THE PRESIDENT DID NOT COMMIT A SIN AGAINST “GOD.” I am not saying what he did was right. But since they are so quick to judge, let us also get answers from what these people (and to others also practicing the Christian faith) believe in – the Bible. This is not to argue with them, but rather to hopefully shed light to those who now refuse to believe in God or Jesus mainly because of what some of these “church leaders” portray.

First, what was the reason Jesus came to earth? He claims to be God, all-knowing, all-powerful, and reigning King in Heaven. So why would he bother to come to earth? Did he come to earth to judge man, whom He created? To humiliate us because we are sinners? To rub it on our faces that we are only human and He is God?

According to John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

It is clear that Jesus Christ took to human form not to judge man, nor to point out that we are sinners. Rather, he came to earth to save us from sin.

Also, according to John 12:47, “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”

 He did not only say these words, but also lived up to them, according to Mark 2:15-17, which says: “While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”

Other accounts of Jesus spending time with sinners can be found in Luke 7:36-60, Luke 15:1-2 and Luke 19:1-10.

Now that our church leaders are calling President Duterte as sinful and rude, then who would Jesus Christ want to mingle with, if He were around? Would he spend time with the priests or pastors, or those whom they point as sinners, like President Duterte?

And guess who called out on Jesus Christ whenever he spent time with sinners? The Pharisees. Or in today’s terms, the church leaders.

I have this message to our church leaders: if you love our country, then you pray for it. Pray for our President and not condemn him. The Lord Jesus Christ, whom you preach to your followers, did not come to earth to condemn mankind for his sins, so who are you to condemn sinners?

What did Jesus Christ tell us his followers? He told us to pray and submit to authority.

According to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Also, according to 1 Peter, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority.”

We often question, what if the king commits sin, then should we still Submit and Pray? Let me ask, how little is your faith that God cannot change our nation if we simply obey what He says?

Lastly let me share to you this verse in which we always quote –

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” -2 Chronicles 7:14

The road to healing our nation is as clear as day. With the phrase “If My people,” God is not saying this to those who do not believe. But what should the people, whom he calls “My people,” do? Rally on the streets? Scream their complaints and grievances? Condemn the authorities?

No.

But to pray, seek his face, and turn from their wicked ways. What is God exactly saying? That we who believe in Him should turn from our wicked ways. In essence, God is telling us not to look at the flaws of others, but to focus on making your own self better.

This is my question to Bro. Eddie Villanueva, the priests, and other church leaders condemning the President: Who Is The Jesus that you believe in? As far as I can remember, my Jesus never condemned anybody. He died for sinners like me, and this is the very kindness and compassion that made me repent. I am not perfect but I am forgiven because I am doing my best to obey Him.

If you want President Duterte to repent – if you think he committed sin, then why don’t you show him compassion and kindness? It is according to Romans 2:4, “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.”