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25/27 FEBRUARY 2003
‘THEY MET AT CALVARY’
THE CROWD – THOSE WHO SHOUTED ‘CRUCIFY HIM!’
INTRODUCTION: CROWD-POWER!
From the Gospel record there is no doubt that ‘the crowd’ played a significant part,
along with Judas, the Jewish leaders and Pilate, in bringing about Jesus’ death.
This week we explore just who is likely to have been in that crowd and why they reacted
as they did. We also ask some searching questions about ‘crowd mentality’ – and we
discuss together how the great pressures of popular outlook, views and values impinge
on our lives and potentially threaten our Christian witness.
READING: MATTHEW 27.15-26
In both life and death, Jesus drew crowds!
- THE CROWDS AND JESUS’ MINISTRY:
- Think of some instances when Jesus drew great crowds during his ministry
What was their general attitude to him? Why did they seek him out?
- What sort of reactions did Jesus show to the crowds? How much was he influenced by
them? (See Matt 9. 35-37; John 2.23-25; 6.14-15,22-26)
- THE CROWDS AND JESUS’ DEATH
- Who do you think made up the crowd that shouted for Jesus’ crucifixion?
- the same people who flocked to him during his ministry? If so, why the big change??
- A different group altogether? If so, who were they??
- ‘rent-a-mob’?? What evidence do you have? (Perhaps Matt 26.59-61; Mark 15.11)
- a mixture of all above??
- Why did the crowd do what they did? Why call for his death?
- how much were they used by Pilate (and what were his motives for trying to use them)?
- To what extent were they manipulated by the religious leaders?
- What part do you feel ‘herd instinct’ played in what happened that day?
- Who bears the responsibility for the crowd’s actions that day? (See Matt 27.25)
- How stable is popular opinion? What sort of things affect it?
As we seek to live the Christian life we, too, are surrounded by people. So now think
together about the ‘crowd mentality’ and the power and influence of popular opinion
on modern life and us.
- Just how powerful is mass opinion? How much of force is it in modern life?
And how hard is it to stand against it?
- Has anyone an experience to tell about being ‘carried along’ by a large crowd setting?
Or about standing out against the overwhelming majority? What did it feel like?
- Over what sort of issues today can we, as Christians, find themselves in the minority
and under great pressure from the power of popular opinion to compromise our consciences
and values?
- How does popular pressure work? What sort of emotional factors cause us to go along
with the crowd?
- Just how suspect or reliable are those decisions we take amongst (large groups of)
people?
What important principles are there here for us Christians as we seek to win people
for Christ?
- How vulnerable is mass opinion to manipulation?
- what modern agencies seek to influence and mould it?
- in what areas of the world today do you se mass manipulation taking place?
- Against what things (and areas) should we be particularly on our guard?
- Is political correctness a biblical concept? Why? Why not?
- (Read Matt 27.24 and Mark 15.15 and consider….) In what ways can the courting of
popular goodwill lead leaders (political or Christian) astray?
- How responsible are we for our actions if strongly influenced by crowd- power?
CLOSING PRAYER:
‘Lord, it is so good as Easter approaches to be able to draw back from the general
crowd mentality and focus on the Lord Jesus and his death for us. Thank you that
you treat and accept us as individuals; that to you we are not just a part of a faceless
mass, but are individually objects of your love and care. So often Lord it is hard
for us to withstand the pressures and demands, the expectations and influence of
those all around us. Give us courage to be able to stand for what we know to be right
– against the popular view of the crowd, if necessary. Give us strength not to be
carried along thoughtlessly or against our better judgement by the overwhelming pressures
of popular opinion.’
FOR FURTHER PERSONAL READING
Consider the challenges presented to the early disciples by antagonistic crowd reactions!
At Philippi: Acts 16.19-24 At Thessalonica: Acts 17.5-9
At Ephesus: Acts 19.23-24 At Jerusalem: Acts 21.27-22,29
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