Crowd Perception

“And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.” (Mr 6:34 AV)

How we respond to a large group of people can tell us a lot about ourselves.  Here, upon seeing a large group, was moved with compassion.  This large group would no doubt tax Him.  They would press upon Him to have their needs met.  Many would come to be healed of infirmities.  Many others would come to hear his words.  The crowd had little to offer in return.  Their gratitude would not equal that which they demanded from the LORD.  They did not assemble for Him.  Then assembled for themselves.  Even though their contribution in the exchange would be next to nothing, the LORD still had compassion for them.  Some in the crowd would eventually turn on Him.  The crowd that assembled this day would more or less be the same that would assemble a few years later and demand His life.  The LORD still had compassion.  All these things aside, a crowd is many things.  The purpose of the assembly will determine the nature of the crowd.  If they are gathered for nefarious reasons, then poor behavior follows.  If they are gathered for generic reasons, there are many possible outcomes.  Crowds can be a good thing.  They may not be, too.  Regardless, when Jesus saw a crowd, He has compassion.  This requires a vision that few ever attain.

Just yesterday, my associate Pastor and I were talking about going to the fireworks.  He asked if Lisa and I went every year.  That is something we stopped doing once the kids moved away.  In fact, it is something I stopped doing after about six or seven years of married life.  Without explaining why, He offered the same reason I stopped going.  We do not like crowds.  At least crowds that are not fluid.  I don’t mind going to the zoo while half the county is there because everyone is moving or doing something rather than being idle, waiting for something to happen.  I don’t mind crowds at a museum, an amusement park, or even a park.  But if there is a unified effort to accomplish a generally common goal with specific objectives like shopping, count me out.  If there is a unified goal with little or no personal involvement, like a ball game; no thank you.  If it means it takes longer to assemble and disassemble than the actual event, I have no interest.  If the crowd is not controlled and mayhem could break out, this is not for me.  If we are so tightly packed that no matter the disease, I will catch it, don’t save me a spot.  When I see a crowd, I see a major inconvenience.  Shoulder against shoulder.  Never a finely tuned instrument flowing in efficiency and purpose.  Church is different.  There is order and purpose.  There is a unified spirit, common interests, and values, and the sole purpose is the glorification of someone greater than ourselves.  But if you put me in downtown Milwaukee during a major event where hundreds of thousands are gathered, all I would see is a major infringement on my personal liberty and space.

Jesus saw a crowd gathering and was able to empathize with their reasons for coming.  He saw the sick.  Either from physical ailments, or sin itself.  He saw soul after soul who needed His grace.  He saw a lost and dying world in desperate need of mercy and was moved with compassion.  Although they would demand more time than He had, He still cared.  Even though they would eventually turn on Him, He was still moved.  Even though this crowd would get what they came for and many would not follow, he still had a heart for them.  This depth of love is something very rare.  Most do not have it.  Most will never attain it.  Only by walking with Jesus can someone look upon a county of 1.4 million people, and be moved with such compassion they are compelled to do all they can to help some.  May we learn of and attain the compassion which Jesus had on innumerable souls that our eyes behold.