“After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, ‘Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.’ Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself” (John 6:14-15).
Jesus never had a problem in attracting the crowds. All it took was a miracle or two and there were throngs of people who gathered to witness the spectacle themselves. But each time the crowds would gather Jesus withdrew. Crowds were not what Jesus desired. Jesus was never interested in drawing big crowds.
The crowds were readily available. And, eventually, it was the crowds who crucified him.
He has been calling disciples. There is a huge difference between the crowds and disciples.
Crowds:
- Main aim – What’s in it for me?
- Desired outcome – What can I get from Jesus?
- When Jesus convicts, confronts, and challenges – Crowds turn on Jesus. Crowds crucified him.
Disciples:
- Main aim – How can I honor Christ?
- Desired outcome – How can I join in Christ’s work?
- When Jesus convicts, confronts, and challenges – Asks, what must I change in order to honor Christ?
No wonder Jesus was not interested in the crowds. Jesus was, and still is, only interested in calling disciples to himself.
So, which are you?
Praxis: Faith in Action 