One of the devil’s most insidious lies is, “If so many people do it, it couldn’t be wrong!” In a democratic society like America, this is almost a given. “The majority can’t be wrong.” And so, we feel good about following the masses. Whatever most people seem to be in, it must be okay….

This is not a biblical idea, however. Reading the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, I was reminded once again that Jesus could’ve so easily avoided the cross. He was found to be innocent by Pontius Pilate and Herod both! They were the judges and after hearing all the evidences lobbied against Him, they decided that He has done nothing that deserved death. In fact, they were intending to set Him free. But it was the mob, the masses, that wanted Him dead. Incited by the religious leaders who were jealous of Jesus, the same crowd that welcomed Him into Jerusalem earlier in the week, now wanted Him dead! (Luke 23:18-25)

And Pilate gave into the wishes of the mob. And thus, our Lord was crucified. Declared innocent even by the wicked human judges, He was done in by the popular vote…

Some lessons:

1. The mob is fickle. Do not ever stake your worth on the opinions of the crowd. They could love you one day and the next, hate your guts. Don’t get so high when people like you and don’t get so low when they don’t.

2. The majority isn’t always right. Just because most people are into it, does not make it right. This is true even inside the Christian circle. Just because most Christians seem to be into it, does not make it right. Remember, even ALL of the disciples fled the scene when Jesus was captured. If a pastor or a Christian leader is liked by all, be sure that he/she is UNLIKE Jesus…

3. Don’t dismiss the opinions of the people who are obviously not Christian. Sometimes they can be closer to the truth than some Christians. Although evil, Pilate and Herod made right judgment about Jesus’ innocence.

4. Even God will disappoint you if you expect the wrong thing. The followers of Jesus expected an earthly kingdom from Jesus and when their expectation wasn’t met, they turned against Jesus. God never promised comfort, health, long-life, prosperity on earth. He only promised Himself to us!