We Are All Aware Of Charismatic People

who have the natural ability to draw large crowds to themselves. Such individuals are often politicians or spiritual leaders. Throngs hang on their every word often resulting in mass irrational emotional responses.

Can you imagine what it must have been like when Jesus arrived on the scene? All of a sudden "impossible" things were taking place by his hand. His first public demonstration of divine power was to turn water into wine (see John 2:9) at a marriage feast in Cana. That was only the beginning --- more and more incredible things were to take place. As a result, during the first year of his public exposure, many people were drawn to him.

There were a number of things about Jesus that drew people to him. First of all there was his ability as a teacher. As people listened to him they were amazed at his authoritative teaching, as opposed to that of the teachers of religious law (Mark 1:22). Jewish teachers constantly referred to Moses, the prophets or other writings. Jesus spoke as though he was the ultimate authority.

Secondly, demons responded to his commands (Mar 1:27). For example on one occasion Jesus ordered an evil spirit to come out man with the result that he regained his abilities to both speak and see (Mat 12:22).

A third reason people flocked to Jesus was because of his power to heal the sick. Doctor Luke in his gospel makes the observation that "No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one"(Luke 4:40). On at least three occasions he restored life to those who had already died (see Luke 7:11-17, 8:46-536, John 11:40-44)

Fourthly, Jesus had power over the natural world. On two occasions he fed huge crowds from minimal resources. From five loaves and two fishes he fed 5,000 men plus women and children (Mark 6:41-44). Shortly afterwards he feed 4,000 people from seven loaves and a few fish (Mark 8:1-10).

One day Jesus and his disciples were on the Sea of Galilee when a bad storm blew up. His followers were afraid that the boat would sink. Upon waking him up Jesus "rebuked the wind and the raging waves. The storm stopped and all was calm! (Luke 8:24).

As a result of his actions many began to see him as the political saviour who would help them throw off the bondage of Rome. They became convinced that he was the prophet they had been waiting for so they desired to force him to become their king (John 6:14-15). To prevent this he had to slip away from the throngs.

All of these reasons for following Jesus were earth bound in nature. Even his twelve closest disciples struggled to arrive at the appropriate reason for following Jesus. They also saw things in the context of an earthly kingdom and its accompanying power.

However, one day Simon Peter at least momentarily grasped the true reason for following Jesus when he stated "You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:69). Yes, the all important reason for following Christ is not related to the physical aspects of life because they will all pass away. The ultimate reason for following Jesus is the eternal life that is available to those who believe in the person of the Son of God.

Copyright. Bruce August 2007

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.