Changing Crowds

I heard a preacher say that the fickle crowds that praised Jesus as the Messiah on Sunday shouted for his death on Friday. Actually I have heard that sermon many times in my life. I do not think that it is a true statement even though it may make for a good sermon about back sliding Christians.

The people who lined the street as Jesus entered Jerusalem were likely the common people who were anxiously looking for the Messiah. They praised God and shouted hosanna blessed is he that comes in the name of the lord. Those people were out in the light of day for all to see.

The people at the trial were out while it was still night. The Jewish leaders who wanted Jesus out of the way very likely routed friends and family out of bed to show up at the early morning trial to support their case. They were prompted to urge Pilot to kill Jesus or he would not be Caesar’s friend. It was a conniving and political crowd that shouted for his death.

It was not the people in the Sunday crowd who changed it was the crowd itself that was different.