Old Testament Roots of Nonviolence (abstract)

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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