The Followers of Jesus Who Crucified Him (Santosh Poonen)

There were two groups of people who “followed” Jesus: the few who became disciples (Matthew 4:18-22); and the great multitudes (Matthew 4:23-25). The multitudes: didn’t have to leave everything to follow Jesus; came because they saw the miracles Jesus did; followed at their convenience (Matthew 13:34-36). Today, likewise, the “followers” of Jesus can be divided into these 2 groups. The multitudes are drawn by: healing (Luke 5:15; Matthew 15:31); teaching (Matthew 7:28; Mark 12:37); curiosity (John 12:9); rejoicing (Luke13:17); “praise and worship” (Luke 19:36-44). Eventually, the same multitude will gather for: betrayal (Luke 22:47); condemning to death (Luke 23:21); pity at “this spectacle” (Luke 23:48). This is the discipleship test that Jesus gave: 1. Do you seek a “resting place” on earth? (Luke 9:57-58) 2. Do your circumstances (suffering/loss) mute your preaching of the gospel? (Luke 9:59-60) 3. Do you have an attachment to family or friends? (Luke 9:61-62, 14:26) 4. Do you have any interest in yourself? (Mark 8:34; Luke 14:27) Jesus used the test of discipleship to weed out those with “multitude mentality” from those who were truly His disciples (John 6). You’re either crucifying Jesus or being crucified with Him!