Abstract: OT Roots of Nonviolence

Jesus claimed to fulfill the law and the prophets. Where in the Old Testament does one find any kind of a foundation for Jesus’ nonviolence? Here are some Old Testament truths that must have influenced Jesus.

Abraham was able to walk unarmed and unharmed in the land of promise without the protection of any local prince. Through the process he learned to trust the sovereign protection of God rather than his own devices.

The patriarchal system was built upon the exclusive rights of the first-born son. This is how the patriarchal stories begin when Abraham sends Ishmael away. At the end of Genesis, twelve brothers equally share their inheritance. This successful challenge to patriarchy sets the stage for Moses’ subsequent confrontation of both slavery and monarchy.

Moses clearly had a social vision to have an unarmed nation of priests trusting God alone for its security and economy, because Yahweh alone would be king.
Jesus’ cross has power to make all humanity one. On that cross, King Jesus granted pardon to the Roman army that crucified him, and his disciples put his policy into effect immediately when they accepted a Roman officer as the first Gentile believer. After Jesus resurrection, permanent social change began, blessing the poor and the defenseless.

Jesus said when the gospel has been preached everywhere (Matthew 24:14), and when all his followers are one in him (John 17:20-21), then the world will find his message believable. So long then, as Christians’ loyalties are divided by nationalism, race, culture, or philosophy, the world will not believe our message.