16 Messages for an Election Year
The Platform of Jesus
Lowell Messerschmidt

When election year rolls around, it's almost as certain as death and taxes. Political candidates hit the campaign trail in droves, making endless appearances both in person and on the airwaves as they pitch themselves and their platforms to voters. Meanwhile, media pundits dissect the candidates' carefully crafted strategies. But what if Jesus were running for office -- how would he appeal to voters?

In this series of 16 messages based on texts from the four gospels and Acts, Lowell Messerschmidt takes readers on the campaign trail with Jesus -- from the announcement of his candidacy to voting day. Messerschmidt examines Jesus' platform -- the guiding principles of his ministry -- and notes that Jesus openly shared it throughout his campaign. Unlike any political party, however, Jesus never announced his campaign strategy until his last days on earth. When his strategy finally was revealed, it appeared that Jesus faced crushing defeat. But the initial vote tally was wrong -- after his resurrection, Jesus was declared the winner by those who know him by faith.
Lowell Messerschmidt is a retired pastor and Wisconsin native who served congregations in the United Methodist Church. He is a graduate of North Central College, the University of Wisconsin, and Evangelical Theological Seminary.