The Crowd and the Cross

Most people don’t mince words when it comes to expressing passionate thoughts and ideas about religion, politics, and even other people. Unfortunately, this can often lead to a mob mentality.

The most famous example of this in the Bible is the crowd that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem and were swayed to cry out for His death before the end of the week. Of course, we know that this occurred to fulfill prophecy, but it’s also a tremendous example of how easily influenced and misguided humanity can be.

Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!” Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” (Matthew‬ ‭27:20-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Pilate was so concerned with his political status that he gave in to the demands of the crowd. Which crowd are you listening to? Which crowd are you allowing to influence you?

I don’t believe we can reach people for Christ if we ostracize them. On the contrary, Jesus spent time with

sinners because those were the people who needed Him most. Because of this, He was despised and likely envied by those who were the holy leaders during that time. Unfortunately, most of them were blind to see Jesus for who He is, and their mob mentality led to His brutal death. They also tried to hide the truth about His resurrection. But it hasn’t worked for 2000 years as the Church continues to grow. 

One thing I think we often forget is how accessible Jesus was and still is. We don’t have to make ourselves holy to have a relationship. As a matter of fact, He came because we could never be holy enough to reach him. 

It’s important to have the right people in your life to encourage you and be positive influences. But who are you influencing? Are you so caught up in your status, like Pilate, that you give into the crowd. Or are you part of the crowd and just go along with what everyone else says because you don’t want to be different. The Bible has something to say about that.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This may cause some controversy, but I would venture to say that some of the customs of the world have crept into the church. Some people gossip about others and even treat brothers and sisters in Christ with contempt. Who are we to judge anyone? 

If we are, in fact, like Christ, we are supposed to be different. This may look like spending time with those who need Christ in us the most. It’s messy. It’s washing the feet of those who may betray us. It’s keeping silent when our name and reputation is being discussed by others. It’s stepping out on faith. It’s  doing the hard things because we know God is leading the way. 

Christ didn’t have it easy. He certainly didn’t follow the crowd. When we begin to see others as Jesus sees them, it changes our perception, and we find ourselves not caring so much about the crowd. We even forget about ourselves for the sake of those around us. 

The crowd that followed Jesus changed their mind about Him in less than a week. Crowds  today aren’t so different. Jesus never changes, and if we are living for Him, our lives should be a reflection of Him.

The crowd or the cross… which will you choose to follow?

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries. All rights reserved.