Miracles and Multitudes

“Jesus reaches a peak of popularity among the multitudes.  He amazes a crowd of over 5000 by feeding them all, using just a few loaves of bread and some fish.  Upon that demonstration they are ready to make him king, but of course they have misunderstood the nature of his kingdom.  When Jesus says that he is the true bread of life and that they must eat his flesh, many are offended and turn away.  They can accept Jesus as a popular hero who works wonders, but they are unwilling to accept the demands of discipleship.

Jesus’ condemnation of the Pharisees’ institutionalized religion, as well as his threat to their political power base, evokes their hostility.  Opposition in Judea grows to such a point that the political and religious leaders there are seeking to kill Jesus.

Despite his opposition, what is so impressive about Jesus is the extent to which he has won the hearts of the common people.  The prophets of old had also preached righteousness and brought judgment against false religious leaders, but none of them ever had the popular following of Jesus.  This Jesus is not just another prophet, but rather the Messiah about whom all the other prophets have prophesied.”

Read:  Matthew 14:14-36, Mark 6:34-56, Luke 9:11-17, John 6:2-71, Matthew 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23, John 7:1

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.