Jesus and Empire

The vast majority of the rural people were engaged in agriculture and fishing. They were exploited by the landlords and taxed heavily by the rulers and the priests. Widespread social unrest erupted, leading to protests and revolts which were ultimately suppressed by those in power. Overall, this high level of brutality created a high level of trauma that heavily affected the Jesus movement.
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             2) How does Richard Horsley situate Jesus in this historical, cultural, religious ethos? Who is Jesus for Horsley?.
             For Horsley, it is of utter importance to place Jesus in his proper historical context in order to properly understand him as a person, religious icon, and political instigator. Jesus loved in a time of political ciaos. He was a prophet who was known to heal and otherwise persuade those of his time to rebel against Roman government and follow in his teachings. Jesus" agenda was to solve conflicts between high priests and government. Many times, issues arose that might disagree with the Torah, however have awesome political benefits. This everyday situation caused what this time saw as complete political and religious turmoil. Jesus, standing in as a mediator, saw reason and need for reformation. His attempts to reform were not necessarily appreciated, however his persistence paid off. Not only was Jesus faced with persuading political figures, but also persuading those in the city. The resistance of people is due to a religious frame of mind. Their Hebrew background aided in their stubbornness and reluctance toward Jesus" movement. They held a conventional principle, which was a social-political notion of justice. His attempt to give people hope, renew Israel, and pronounce judgment on the Romans was in a sense successful, which led those in power to see him as a severe political threat to them and their society. His mission was "not only to heal the debilitating effects of Roman military violence and economic exploitation, but also to revitalize and rebuild the people's cultural spirit and communal vitality" (page 126).