People often think Jesus was popular. In fact, many Christians think they'll be popular if they behave in ways that are "Christlike."
But Jesus never was and never will be popular with the majority.
Crowds followed Him, but most people were seeking His blessings, not His message.
When massive crowds followed Jesus in John 6, He told them, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” John 6:26(1)
Throughout His ministry, He was questioned, challenged, mocked, despised, and rejected by the majority of people. The Pharisees were not His only enemies.
Christ's main message was, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near,” and repentance has never been popular (Matthew 4:17).
In John 7, when His unbelieving brothers chided him, Jesus said, “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.” John 7:7
Jesus wasn't popular with the majority, and His followers can expect the same (John 15:18-19). That's why Paul said, “If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
Even if people reject us, we must continue to graciously speak the truth (Colossians 4:6). Our first priority should be pleasing God, not man.
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(1) Jesus did signs to confirm He was the Messiah, but the majority didn't believe in Him. If you read John 6, you'll see that this crowd grumbled against Christ's statements about being sent from God. In fact, when He explained the depth of His mission, the twelve disciples remained with Him, but many of His other disciples left Him.
These 1-minute devotions will add to the insights in this devotion:
Scripture Warns Against False Views of Jesus
Bible Love Notes
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