Why did so many people reject Jesus? As we move into our reading in Mark today, Jesus is at the height of his popularity. Thousands are following him around the Sea of Galilee and he is not disappointing them. He miraculously fed 5000 once, then 4000 not too long thereafter. He was healing the sick, making the lame walk and the blind see and freeing many from enslavement to demons. All of Israel buzzed about the man from Nazareth.
But it would not be too many days from this point that he would walk alone down the streets of Jerusalem carrying his own cross, stumbling under its weight, beaten beyond recognition, ridiculed by the crowds, facing crucifixion alone. Almost completely alone. Everyone who followed him around the countryside had returned to their homes. There were only about 120 who were still his disciples and they were cowering in fear. It seemed that Jesus' fifteen minutes of fame had come and gone.
Why? What changed? Why did people who loved him and hailed his as the hope of Israel turn their backs on him?
It started when he began to talk more about why he came to earth and what was required to follow him as a disciple.
First, Jesus started talking about his own death and even his closest disciples were upset about that kind of talk.
Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. Mark 8:31
They all had visions of glory in their minds. Jesus was their meal ticket, their healer, their path to freedom, to casting off the yoke of Roman oppression. He would gather Israel together and lead them in a revolution! But Jesus made it clear that he had not come to establish a political kingdom (this time - that will come at his next appearing), but that he came to walk the Way of the Cross, to lay down his life for the sins of the world.
But it got even worse. Not only did Jesus intend to walk the way of the Cross, he demanded that those who would follow him must walk that path as well.
If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it. Mark 8:34-35
Following Jesus is not just about miraculous meals, about freedom from illness, disease or demons. It is about dying to self and denying our own wills, our own ambitions and desires, our own plans. It is about following Jesus on the Way of the Cross.
And thousands of people who loved the meals, enjoyed the show, rejoiced at healings, wanted no part of Jesus' call to walk the path of self-denial and crucifixion. That turned them off. But Jesus offered no plan B. "If anyone..." You. Me. Anyone! If we want to follow Jesus, we must walk with him the Way of the Cross!
Father, let me not be one who seeks only the blessings that come from your hand, but shrinks back from what you demand. May I walk with Jesus on the Way of the Cross. As he laid down his life for me and for all humanity, may I deny myself, take up my cross and follow him!
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