Another significant chapter in Israel’s history occurred when the Babylonians conquered Israel in 586 BC. After that happened, thousands of Jewish people were deported from Israel to what is today Iraq. And there they lived for 70 years as exiles. Exile is a description of God’s people throughout history. I am an exile. Living in a context where God’s kingdom and ways were not being upheld by the government or empire that was in charge.  

Jesus was born a Jew, and he spent his entire life surrounded by signs and symbols reminding him that the empire of Rome was in charge. That’s why his message that the kingdom of God had come near was so politically charged and problematic because it directly challenged the empire.