Unpopularity

We measure our opinion by the opinion of others.

That this is true is undeniable. Especially in politics and entertainment, we are more like lemmings than independent thinkers, and we often find ourselves following the crowd. It is simply more comfortable being “part of something” rather than being independent. The irony of all of this is we are encouraged to be “independently minded” as we follow the crowd. Advertisers have recognized how we like to think ourselves renegades – and so the ads we follow tell us things like, “No rules, just right,” (Outback Steakhouse,) or, simply, “No rules.” (Dodge.)

I have just read an article in the London Times proclaiming it is now becoming “un-cool” to be ‘green.’ It seems the crowds are discovering the pain of the no-carbon-footprint lifestyle is not equal to the perceived former “coolness” of the position. Apparently living the green life is not as fun as thinking about living it or talking about it.

John 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews* sought to kill Him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world."

Dealing with unpopularity says a lot about who you are. Are you genuine? Are you sincere? No one has ever walked in the kind of unpopularity Jesus faced as He walked the earth. He had raised a crowd, but then chased it away by defining the sincerity required to remain part of it. (See John 6.) He would eventually go to the cross accompanied by only one disciple, His mother and a few other women who remained to support Him.

In a word, Jesus’ ministry had become about as unpopular as it could possibly be – and the reason is because of the sincerity of heart Jesus demanded of His followers. You could not just hang around as part of ‘the crowd.’ Jesus demanded more. And when those demands were stated, the crowd melted away in the “hard sayings.” Where will we go now? What’s the popular position?

Jesus’ brothers may have been earnestly concerned. He had a crowd and lost it. Could He win it back? Surely the possibility existed if He would go up to the Feast of Tabernacles and “show Himself.” Could He not win back a whole new crowd with some more “works?” Certainly, with the million or so folks piling into Jerusalem for the Feast, the opportunity of a lifetime was presenting itself. It was only a matter of time before Jesus would be back on the top of the popularity charts. All He had to do was please the crowd…

How did Jesus respond? (See John 7.)
- Pastor Bill