Why Religious and Political Powers Systematically Miss the Kingdom of God
History is not shaped solely by the visible decisions of leaders, governments, or religious institutions. Beneath the surface, a deeper conflict is unfolding—a struggle over thinking, interpretation, and truth. Scripture reveals that moments when human powers believe they have prevailed are often precisely the moments when the Kingdom of God is advancing irreversibly.
The events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide the clearest example of this pattern. Religious and political leaders were convinced of their correctness, their control, and their success. Reality proved fundamentally different. This article explores how self-deception, worldly wisdom, and spiritual blindness operate together within spheres of influence, and why true wisdom according to Scripture begins with embracing what God Himself calls “foolishness.”
When Leaders Think They Have Won
After the crucifixion, religious leaders and Roman authorities assume the problem has been definitively resolved. Matthew describes how the chief priests and Pharisees approach Pilate with a calculated plan. They remember Jesus’ words about His resurrection and decide to take preventive action: the tomb is sealed and guarded.
The key phrase in this passage is, “it came to our minds.” The conflict is centered on thoughts. Fear of losing face, control, and authority drives their actions. Ironically, they attempt to prevent precisely what God has already determined to accomplish. Their precautions only serve to make the later breakthrough unmistakable.
Thoughts as the Primary Battleground
Scripture is consistent in its diagnosis of spiritual conflict. The primary battleground is not military or political, but mental. Paul states that “the god of this world” blinds the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). Elsewhere he warns that thoughts can be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:3).
Jesus Himself acknowledges that evil thoughts arise from within the human heart (Mark 7:21). Darkness therefore operates both through external deception and through the fallen human nature. This explains why leaders often sincerely believe they are acting rightly while, in reality, participating in processes that oppose God’s purposes.
Paul draws a sharp conclusion. The rulers of this age did not understand God’s wisdom; had they done so, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Cor. 2:8). This leads to his confronting exhortation: “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise” (1 Cor. 3:18).
Religious and Political Spirits at Work
This dynamic becomes visible within societal spheres. Religious systems are often driven by fear of losing control and fear of the free movement of the Holy Spirit. Historically, this has resulted in manipulation, exclusion, and at times violence. Political systems function from fear of losing power and stability, causing truth to be subordinated to pragmatism and self-preservation.
It is theologically sound to speak here of religious and political “spirits” operating through human thinking. This does not deny human responsibility, but acknowledges that structures can open themselves to spiritual influence. Scripture states soberly, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile” (1 Cor. 3:20).
What No One Saw Happening
While leaders believed Jesus had been permanently removed, a decisive victory was unfolding in the unseen realm. The New Testament describes how Christ, through His death, rendered powerless the one who holds the power of death (Heb. 2:14), took authority over death and Hades (Rev. 1:18), and disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them openly (Col. 2:15).
It also speaks of His activity in the spiritual realm, proclaiming to spirits in captivity (1 Pet. 3:18–19) and entering the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood to obtain eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12).
Within classical deliverance and biblical theology, this has long been understood as the heart of the gospel. Derek Prince summarized it succinctly by stating that the cross is not only the place of atonement, but also the place of decisive victory over satanic dominion.
The Sudden Breakthrough of the Kingdom
Matthew does not portray the resurrection as a gradual process, but as a shockwave. There is an earthquake. An angel descends. The stone is rolled away. The guards, representatives of worldly power, fall as though dead.
Only after Christ has completed His work in the heavenly realms does the victory manifest visibly on earth. The angel declares simply what religious and political elites could not grasp: Jesus has done exactly what He said. The resurrection is not an improvisation, but the confirmation of God’s word and God’s timing.
Living from the Mind of Christ
The implication for believers and leaders is profound. Paul states without qualification, “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16). This demands a deliberate break with fear-driven systems, religious control, and political calculation.
Living from the mind of Christ means learning to discern when wisdom is merely fear in disguise, and when obedience appears as foolishness in the eyes of the world. The Kingdom of God does not manifest through control, but through truth, obedience, and trust.
Conclusion
The events surrounding the tomb of Jesus reveal a pattern that continues to this day. Human powers attempt to rule by shaping thought, perception, and fear. God works straight through these efforts—often unseen, but always decisively.
The question is not whether we live in this world, but from which mindset we live. Paul’s exhortation remains as urgent as ever. Whoever wishes to be truly wise must be willing to become a fool by the standards of this age. That very foolishness proves to be the key through which the Kingdom of God breaks through—in lives, in leadership, and in nations.
History is not shaped solely by the visible decisions of leaders, governments, or religious institutions. Beneath the surface, a deeper conflict is unfolding—a struggle over thinking, interpretation, and truth. Scripture reveals that moments when human powers believe they have prevailed are often precisely the moments when the Kingdom of God is advancing irreversibly.
The events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide the clearest example of this pattern. Religious and political leaders were convinced of their correctness, their control, and their success. Reality proved fundamentally different. This article explores how self-deception, worldly wisdom, and spiritual blindness operate together within spheres of influence, and why true wisdom according to Scripture begins with embracing what God Himself calls “foolishness.”
When Leaders Think They Have Won
After the crucifixion, religious leaders and Roman authorities assume the problem has been definitively resolved. Matthew describes how the chief priests and Pharisees approach Pilate with a calculated plan. They remember Jesus’ words about His resurrection and decide to take preventive action: the tomb is sealed and guarded.
The key phrase in this passage is, “it came to our minds.” The conflict is centered on thoughts. Fear of losing face, control, and authority drives their actions. Ironically, they attempt to prevent precisely what God has already determined to accomplish. Their precautions only serve to make the later breakthrough unmistakable.
Thoughts as the Primary Battleground
Scripture is consistent in its diagnosis of spiritual conflict. The primary battleground is not military or political, but mental. Paul states that “the god of this world” blinds the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). Elsewhere he warns that thoughts can be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:3).
Jesus Himself acknowledges that evil thoughts arise from within the human heart (Mark 7:21). Darkness therefore operates both through external deception and through the fallen human nature. This explains why leaders often sincerely believe they are acting rightly while, in reality, participating in processes that oppose God’s purposes.
Paul draws a sharp conclusion. The rulers of this age did not understand God’s wisdom; had they done so, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Cor. 2:8). This leads to his confronting exhortation: “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise” (1 Cor. 3:18).
Religious and Political Spirits at Work
This dynamic becomes visible within societal spheres. Religious systems are often driven by fear of losing control and fear of the free movement of the Holy Spirit. Historically, this has resulted in manipulation, exclusion, and at times violence. Political systems function from fear of losing power and stability, causing truth to be subordinated to pragmatism and self-preservation.
It is theologically sound to speak here of religious and political “spirits” operating through human thinking. This does not deny human responsibility, but acknowledges that structures can open themselves to spiritual influence. Scripture states soberly, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile” (1 Cor. 3:20).
What No One Saw Happening
While leaders believed Jesus had been permanently removed, a decisive victory was unfolding in the unseen realm. The New Testament describes how Christ, through His death, rendered powerless the one who holds the power of death (Heb. 2:14), took authority over death and Hades (Rev. 1:18), and disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them openly (Col. 2:15).
It also speaks of His activity in the spiritual realm, proclaiming to spirits in captivity (1 Pet. 3:18–19) and entering the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood to obtain eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12).
Within classical deliverance and biblical theology, this has long been understood as the heart of the gospel. Derek Prince summarized it succinctly by stating that the cross is not only the place of atonement, but also the place of decisive victory over satanic dominion.
The Sudden Breakthrough of the Kingdom
Matthew does not portray the resurrection as a gradual process, but as a shockwave. There is an earthquake. An angel descends. The stone is rolled away. The guards, representatives of worldly power, fall as though dead.
Only after Christ has completed His work in the heavenly realms does the victory manifest visibly on earth. The angel declares simply what religious and political elites could not grasp: Jesus has done exactly what He said. The resurrection is not an improvisation, but the confirmation of God’s word and God’s timing.
Living from the Mind of Christ
The implication for believers and leaders is profound. Paul states without qualification, “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16). This demands a deliberate break with fear-driven systems, religious control, and political calculation.
Living from the mind of Christ means learning to discern when wisdom is merely fear in disguise, and when obedience appears as foolishness in the eyes of the world. The Kingdom of God does not manifest through control, but through truth, obedience, and trust.
Conclusion
The events surrounding the tomb of Jesus reveal a pattern that continues to this day. Human powers attempt to rule by shaping thought, perception, and fear. God works straight through these efforts—often unseen, but always decisively.
The question is not whether we live in this world, but from which mindset we live. Paul’s exhortation remains as urgent as ever. Whoever wishes to be truly wise must be willing to become a fool by the standards of this age. That very foolishness proves to be the key through which the Kingdom of God breaks through—in lives, in leadership, and in nations.