The Crowds Are Trampling One Another
In the midst of such bifurcation, what is true discipleship?
Sometimes the gospels tell us Jesus is saying something to the crowds. Other times, he’s speaking to the disciples, even in the middle of a crowd.
Let’s suppose for today that this is an important distinction. And then remember what a disciple is - a person who is following Jesus not simply for the spectacle, but for his teaching. A disciple is a student who walks behind the rabbi, learning his way.
At this point in Luke, everyone has heard what Jesus can do. They’re scrambling to see him. You can imagine the crowds, crawling over each other to get at him. Jesus has this kind of appeal. Even today, many clamor to catch a glimpse at him, wanting a particular portion of who they understand him to be. But true discipleship - he has told us time and again - is not those who follow for the spectacle, but that of those who do what he says.
So what is his angle in today’s passage in the midst of these trampling crowds?
Look out for hypocrisy.
He encourages us to trust that in the end, all will be known. This is tough for we who want to prove something. It’s tough against our desires to be right all the time. It doesn’t work with our desire to be known, to be valued, to be noticed, to be upheld.
But Jesus walks this talk. He will continue to demonstrate that truth and justice are sometimes a long road and one that might take us places we’d otherwise rather not go.
Don’t be afraid, he says. Don’t fear temporary pain and death. Do be afraid of participating in injustice that will have lasting consequences.
Acknowledge who Jesus is as Lord in all situations and scenarios. And the Spirit will help you do it.
Luke 12:1-12
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
Psalm 27:1-3, 11-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
Prayer
God,
Help me know your true discipleship. In the midst of the clamoring crowds, help me keep my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Keep me close to others who have the same desire. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.