Read Mark 11-12
Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem suggests that the majority of the Jewish people regarded Him favorably. The Bible says, “the common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37 KJV). Jesus’ widespread popularity temporarily restrained His adversaries from carrying out their vicious plot to execute Him. Mark’s gospel relates three different occasions when Jesus’ enemies did not arrest and kill him because they were afraid of the people. (See Mark 11:18, 11:32, and 12:12.) Jesus’ enemies feared they would lose influence with the crowd or that His followers would physically resist them if they acted too hastily. So, for a few days, they backed off, and the support of the people protected Jesus.
But the teachers of the law and chief priests were determined to eliminate Jesus. They conspired to discover His whereabouts at night and arrest him when He was away from the crowds. In the secrecy of darkness, they drummed up false charges to justify a death sentence. Early the next morning, they used their positions of influence to stir up mob action, and by 9:00 a.m., before the majority of people knew what had happened, Jesus was crucified.
The most brutal regimes in history were not usually instigated by the majority but by a committed, fanatical minority who were so dedicated to their cause that they were willing to sacrifice everything to advance their ideology. Four common characteristics exist in a culture that enables a small minority to take control. (1) The minority gain positions of influence. (2) They have an intense dedication to their cause. (3) They are unscrupulous in their tactics (4) The majority are passive and/or lack effective leadership.
The majority of Germans in the 1930s were not fanatical Nazis; they would never have voted in favor of killing millions of Jews, gypsies, and other “undesirables.” But Adolph Hitler and his handful of henchmen were so fervent and intimidating that the crowd was overwhelmed and, by the time the German people realized what was happening, it was too late.
The majority of Muslims today are not violent nor in favor of jihad. But an estimated 10% are so fanatical and intimidating (even beheading those who disagree) that most Muslims just go along, quietly hoping that the violence will subside.
The majority of Americans are not in favor of the outlandish ideas promoted by the extreme left. Defund the police. Permit males who identify as females to participate in women’s sports. Destroy an eagle’s egg and be fined, kill an unborn child without penalty. Pay people a generous government stipend for not working. Sensible people with little formal education recognize the idiocy of it all.
Last week James Carville, a well-known Democratic Strategist, admitted, “Wokeness is a problem, and we all know it, including lots of people in the Democratic party. But they don’t want to say it out loud, or they’ll get clobbered or canceled.” Even the moderates on the left are concerned about our nation’s excessive spending and Marxist leanings. But the cancel-culture intimidates them into silence.
It’s doubtful that the majority of Americans are in favor of adopting European-style socialism in this country. But a few passionate, influential leaders are capitalizing on the current economic crises, and the majority sit in silence. At the same time, the entire nation and its impressive 200-year history of the free enterprise system get trashed.
Edmund Burke wrote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” All that was necessary for Jesus to be crucified was for all the disciples to flee and other believers to doze off. “This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you’” (Ephesians 5:14).
But there is ultimate hope. One day a powerful but compassionate minority will rule, and the results will be wonderfully positive. Jesus Christ will return to earth, bringing with Him a remnant who have been loyal to Him. When that time comes, Jesus will “strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh, he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:15-16). Then “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
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