I doubt that Jesus was really all that interested in what the crowd thought about him. He knew the masses of people are quite fickle and easily led astray. There was a glaring example of this not too long ago on television. The ABC television network carried a program titled "Pray TV." Actor John Ritter played the role of an evangelist. Incredibly, some 22,000 people called local television stations wanting to pledge financial contributions to Ritter's work. These figures were verified by various telephone companies who had monitored and logged the incoming calls. Just after a scene in which the evangelist said, "We need your prayers," a fictitious toll-free number was flashed on the screen. Many viewers around the country tried to phone the number to offer prayers and money. It pays never to underestimate the gullibility of the American people.

Jesus knew that some in the crowds cheering him would later shout the loudest for his crucifixion. So, he wasn't really all that concerned when he asked, "Who do men say that I am?" However, he was concerned when he turned to his disciples and asked them, "And who do you say that I am?" Jesus' plan for the salvation of the world lay with this small group of men. He was building a team that would carry on after he was gone. The only thing that mattered to Jesus was their opinion.

Who do you say Jesus is?

Ron Newhouse