A crowd can exercise great control over people. Many celebrities, movie stars, athletes, etc., like their roles because of the masses of people that seem to hang on their every word. Many of these people can't go anywhere or do anything without constantly being followed around by fans and media. There is the rare exception but most of them love that attention and the power of that kind of influence.

Many religious leaders of Jesus' day loved the approval of the crowd. Even some who believed in Jesus wouldn't say so because they "loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God" (Jno. 12:42,43). Many were outwardly religious and pretended to have t he truth but they rejected the Savior. They paraded around claiming to be righteous and yet refused to believe in Jesus, not even giving Him a consideration. They faced eternal condemnation because they were more concerned with receiving honor from one another than from God (Jno. 5:41,44). "I do not receive honor from men. But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. How can you believe, who receive honor form one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?"

How much does the crowd, which includes your family, friends, and co-workers, influence you and your reaction to Jesus? Are you so interested in their approval that you fail to follow the only One Who can save you from your sins? If so, consider the risk you take. Follow Jesus without hesitation.

"And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His Name" (Acts 22:16).

By Shane Williams, in The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 10, No. 8, Dec. 2009.

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