The Way of Spartacus, the Way of bar Kokhba, or the Way of Jesus

100 years before Jesus, Spartacus (c. 103–71 BC) who was a slave and gladiator, led a slave revolt against the

Kirk Douglas in the 1960 movie, 'Spartacus'

Roman Republic. After several stunning military successes, Spartacus and his army were defeated. 6,000 of the defeated rebel slaves were crucified. Spartacus' body was never identified, so it is unclear if he was among those crucified (though he was in the classic Kirk Douglas movie). If only he had borne our sins on the cross taking up the cross might mean something different and walking in his footsteps would be the way of holiness.

100 years after Jesus, Simeon bar Kokhba (died, 135) led a Jewish revolt against the Roman Empire. He also won several battles against the Roman legions and won independence for his people – for a few years. He was identified by some as the Messiah. Like Spartacus, bar Kokhba was eventually defeated and died fighting the Romans. If only he had risen from the grave and breathed his spirit upon us so we could be sure that living by his spirit was the way into the heart of God.

If either Spartacus or Simon bar Kokhba had been "the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (see Matthew 16:13-20), we could embrace our every fantasy of "good" violence.

Instead we have Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the Slaughtered Lamb. "When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23), "leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21).

Over against human wisdom and the pattern of this world (see Romans 12), the pattern of the cross, which is the wisdom of God, will always seem foolish (1Corinthians 1:22-25). And even many Christians will prefer the way of Spartacus or bar Kokhba to the way of Jesus.

If Jesus is Lord, we who follow him will walk in his way will:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14-21)

If Jesus is our Lord and Teacher, we will follow his example:

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17)

Ethiopian Icon of Jesus Washing the Feet of the Disciples

See also:

Guns, Myths, Redemption & Conversion

Gun Violence. Again . . .

Gun Violence, Sin, and Regulation: A Teaching for the Church