Articles
Afraid of the People - Mark 14
Afraid of the People - Mark 14
“1 Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread were two days away; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him; 2 for they were saying, "Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people."” (Mark 14:1-2)
These were the LEADERS. They were to lead in the ways of the Lord. They were to instruct, by teaching and example, the way that God would have them to live. Instead, they were governed by a fear of the people. (cp. Matt. 14:5; 21:26, 46)
They loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God (John 12:43).
They would not confess, for fear of the men (John 12:42).
They set aside the word of God to keep the traditions of men (Matt. 15:9)
Jesus admonished:
“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
And again He warned: "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)
Peter and the other apostles taught: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
Yet, I both understand and empathize with them. Have we not all asked ourselves “what will ‘they’ say?” To take a stand, to stand out by being different, to proclaim a different message than whatever is currently espoused – such is fearful. Such is also necessary for a child of God.
God said it, and that is that, let me believe and follow it – come what may.
Hugh
