Christ the Outlaw
Christ the Outlaw
In times of tyranny and injustice when law oppresses the people, the Outlaw takes his place in history.
The Outlaw archetype has been a prominent theme in human culture and mythology for thousands of years. Outlaws are individuals who reject the norms and conventions of society and live outside the law. They are often portrayed as rebels who challenge authority and fight for justice and freedom. One of the most famous outlaws in history is Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity.
The Outlaw archetype can be divided into several characteristics, including defiance, rebellion, and freedom. These characteristics are often depicted in myths and stories, but they can also be found in the life of Jesus Christ and his Disciples.
Defiance:
The first characteristic of the Outlaw archetype is defiance. Outlaws are individuals who reject the norms and conventions of society and live outside the law. In the case of Jesus Christ, he challenged the religious and political authorities of his day, defying their rules and regulations.
According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus was often criticized by the religious leaders of his day for breaking their laws and traditions. For example, he healed the sick on the Sabbath, which was considered a violation of the law. He also ate with sinners and tax collectors, which was seen as a violation of social norms.
Jesus’ defiance of these laws and traditions was not motivated by a desire to be rebellious, but rather by a desire to show compassion and love to those who were marginalized and oppressed. His teachings emphasized the importance of loving one’s neighbor and caring for the sick and the poor, even if it meant breaking the rules.
Rebellion:
The second characteristic of the Outlaw archetype is rebellion. Outlaws are individuals who challenge authority and fight for justice and freedom. In the case of Jesus Christ, he rebelled against the Roman authorities who occupied his homeland and the religious leaders who were complicit in their rule.
According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus was often critical of the Roman occupation and the collaboration of the religious leaders with their rule. He challenged their authority and preached a message of liberation and freedom for the oppressed. Read Mark Ch. 7:1-13.
One of the most famous acts of rebellion by Jesus was his cleansing of the temple. According to the Gospel of John, Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem and drove out the merchants and moneychangers who were conducting business there. He overturned their tables and said, “Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise” (John 2:16). This act of rebellion was a direct challenge to the authority of the religious leaders who profited from the temple commerce and the Roman authorities who allowed it to continue. It was also a symbolic act of liberation, representing the freedom of the people from the oppression of both the religious and political systems.
Freedom:
The third characteristic of the Outlaw archetype is freedom. Outlaws are individuals who reject the constraints of society and live outside the law. In the case of Jesus Christ, he emphasized the importance of freedom from sin and the legalism of the religious system.
According to the Gospel of John, Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). He went on to say, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36).
This emphasis on freedom was not just about breaking rules and living outside the law but about breaking free from the bondage of sin and legalism. Jesus challenged the religious leaders of his day who imposed strict rules and regulations on the people, and he emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with God/Jesus Christ based on Godly love, God’s grace, and obedience to God.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Outlaw archetype is characterized by defiance, rebellion, and a steadfast commitment to living outside societal norms, embodying an untamed spirit that often challenges established authority and values, while simultaneously embracing a sense of freedom and individualism. Only to the degree that Christians are liberated from creeds, ceremonies, superstitions, and static theology are they able to clearly see the true purpose of God for their lives.
God sent prophets and reformers in other days that gave their lives for the liberation of God’s people who were misled into bondage----and such devotion to this freedom must be repeated among God’s people today---led by true men of God who prefer death to enslavement by the world, the flesh, sin, and the devil!
As Christians we are to obey the Word of God, all of it, regardless of the consequences! “Then Peter and the other Apostles said, we ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29; “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Tim. 3:12. A beautiful example of this is found in Acts chapter 5:12-42 where Peter and the apostles defied those in power by preaching Jesus Christ and were beaten and jailed because of it. When they were released, they were given strict instructions not to preach Jesus, however, they rejoiced for being counted worthy to suffer shame for his name and continued daily teaching and preaching Jesus Christ!
The Apostles obeyed God rather than men and understood the consequences of doing so and set their affection on things above not on things on the earth. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Col. 3:2 They were truly Outlaws for Christ!
HOW JESUS’ FOLLOWERS DIED
- Mathew was killed by the sword in Ethiopia.
- Mark was dragged to death in Alexandria, Egypt.
- Luke was hanged on an olive tree in Greece.
- James the Greater (Son of Zebedee) was beheaded in Jerusalem.
- James the Less (Son of Alphaeus) was thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple and then beaten to death.
- Andrew (Simon Peter’s Brother) was bound to a cross but preached until the end.
- Thomas was run through with a lance in India.
- Jude was shot to death with arrows.
- Simon Zelotes (Simon the Canaanite) was crucified in Persia.
- Matthias was first stoned and then beheaded.
- Peter was crucified with his head downward.
- Paul was beheaded in Rome.