2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Numbers 2:1-3:51 ESV, Mark 11:27-12:17 ESV, Psalm 47:1-9 ESV, Proverbs 10:24-25 ESV
Daily Verse: “But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet.” (Mark 11:32 ESV)
LAOS (2992): “A people (in general; thus, differing from 1218, which denotes one’s own populace). Laos is used of “the people at large,” especially of people assembled.”[I]
Opinions matter.
Leaders know large groups of people aligned in thought make a difference. Fear of the crowd’s reaction made the religious leaders think twice before answering Jesus’ question about John’s baptism. If they lost the people’s support, the chief priests, scribes, and elders would lose their rule. Ultimately, they didn’t want to lose the power they now had if they answered Jesus incorrectly.
The crowd witnessing the conversation held power over the religious leaders but didn’t realize it. Every person’s opinion mattered, all seeking truth with the information they had. The reason God’s word still stands amid chaos; because truth stands the test of time; lies don’t.
Share truth.
Groups form opinions because people share their thoughts. Conversations between individuals seek the truth together, finding what happens and what doesn’t. The process for the facts to reveal themselves does take time. But if we continue to share the truth of the gospel, eventually, everyone will hear it.
Jesus’ teachings upset the religious leaders because they negated their teachings. Acceptance into heaven doesn’t come from the law; Jesus opens that door. Today’s world needs more Jesus, the one in the gospels, who loved all and died for all.
Become a people of love today. Whether by word or action, share the truth of God’s affection with all you meet. God loves everyone, even the people we deem unlovable.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 149) Thomas Nelson
