47. Large crowds follow Jesus
– Matthew 12:15-21 & Mark 3:7-12
Matthew 12:15 “Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place.”
The Pharisees were greatly angered by Jesus. Not only did they hate his popularity, but they also hated that he confronted their hypocrisy. They plotted on ways that they could kill Jesus. But, Jesus knew that it was not time for him to die. He still had many important lessons to share with us. Therefore, he fled from the city. Jesus teaches us to love and pray for our enemies. But, that doesn’t mean that you need to be surrounded by your enemies. It is okay to walk away. You can still show God’s love towards them even with distance.
Matthew 12:15-17 “Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah.”
Jesus often told people to not tell others who had healed their sicknesses. Jesus didn’t want people to come to him for the wrong reasons. He didn’t want people to think that there is an earthly kingdom. He showed how someone could do God’s works quietly. Often in the Bible, it says to be a silent servant. Jesus teaches us to not have our right hand know what our left hand is doing. He also says not to boast about what you have done. Those who seek recognition from man will not receive it from God. When you do God’s works don’t seek attention for it.
Matthew 12:19 “He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.”
Isaiah 42:2 “He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the street.”
Philippians 2:3-4 “…but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Jesus’ character was prophesized by Isaiah. Jesus was quiet and gentle. He was slow to be angered. He did not shout or raise his voice. Jesus spoke with love and compassion. He did not have a temper. Have you ever shouted at someone? We grow up in a world that says it is okay to express our anger in this way. But, it isn’t right to treat anyone this way. No one should feel belittled by you. Humble yourself before others. Look in their best interest and serve them. When you become angry, think about what truly angered you. That person isn’t defined by what they did to you. Be quick to forgive them just as Jesus has forgiven you. Nothing someone has done to you will ever be worse than what you have done to Jesus. Be quick to extend grace. Show Jesus’ love to this earth when people anger you.
Matthew 12:20-21 “A bruised reed he will not break; and a smoldering wick he will not stuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Isaiah 42:3-4 “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.”
A bruised reed and a smoldering wick are both vulnerable to their surroundings. Likewise, we sometimes feel broken, bruised, or burned out. At these times, God will be gentle with us and life us up. Reflect God to those around you by treating those around you with sensitivity. When someone is hurting, help them. When someone is burned out, lift them up. Extend God’s love to a world that desperately needs him. Just like God doesn’t walk away from you, don’t walk away from others. Come to them even when they don’t ask for help.
Mark 3:11-12 “Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, ‘You are the Son of God.’ But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was.”
Many times when people were ill it was actually an evil spirit that had taken over their body. The word in this verse in Greek also means unclean. But when these evil spirits came before Jesus, they immediately fell before him. They recognized Jesus as the Son of God but they still had no intention of following him. Many people followed Jesus but didn’t understand his true purpose for coming to the earth. Knowing who Jesus is isn’t enough to be saved, you must put your faith in him and follow him.
