Jesus’ Growing Popularity
Jesus growing popularity is an issue with the pharisees and John’s disciples. John says it is as it should be.
I need to back up a bit from the last story of Jesus’ life. NONE of the gospels are written in chronological order and I’m struggling to get Jesus’ life in order. I did a LOT of research yesterday on this issue. I’m not satisfied with what I found, which was other people’s efforts to put Jesus’ life in chronological order. I’ve already identified places that need reordering; according to MY understanding. And I’ve discovered that I need to reorder some of my original events. We are going back to the end of the wedding in Canaan, and ending with when John the Baptist was put in prison. I did a little changing in the last two stories to make things flow easier, but I’m going to ‘shoehorn’ this portion in between instead of starting over.
During this time, Jesus gathers many disciples to Himself, cleanses the Temple in Jerusalem, is approached by Nicodemus, is baptizing across the river from John, and returns to Capernaum. Let’s jump back into our story.
Holy Spirit, I’m trusting that You brought this section and story to my mind and heart for a reason. And that YOU are guiding my hands in creating the order of events. I will NEVER claim that this is the EXACT order of things, for only Jesus knows, as He walked it. But I trust You to create flow in the stories so that His story can be told and understood. The exact order is not as important as the reason and purpose behind every one of His actions on earth. Help me relay that message, if nothing else.
♥ ♦ ♥
Jesus’ family has returned to Nazareth. He knows that He will likely see them again, at Passover, but for now, He has work to do. Priority number one is to begin spreading the news of the Father’s love for His people; to call them to Himself.
Jesus begins by teaching in the synagogues. Each opportunity He is offered is a gift. He reads from the scrolls and expounds on the meaning. The people LOVE hearing from His heart. And they begin following Him outside of the synagogues. In fact, He has become so popular with the people that they can’t all hear Him at once.
Jesus smiles as a large crowd gathers and begins following Him. He knows exactly where He is going to take them; down to the seaside. And this is the perfect opportunity to do something else that is very important to Him. He is going to reaffirm His calling of the four fishermen from earlier.
Jesus approaches the shore and sees Simon and Andrew’s boat alongside James and John’s boat. He smiles as He sees them all, off to the side, rinsing their nets. He knows what kind of morning they have had; an unproductive one to say the least.
Jesus turns and starts speaking to the people. They begin crowding in, trying to hear. Jesus casually moves in the direction of the boats until he is near Simon and Andrew’s boat. As easy as you please, Jesus steps into the boat and looks at Simon.
“Simon, would you mind setting out a little way from the shore. The people can’t hear me and this cove is a perfect for amplifying sounds off the water.”
Simon smiles as he says; “I know that’s true, as I’ve had to shout to shore for help more than once, and my voice is carried to my brother’s ear.”
Jesus sits down while Simon quickly draws his net back into the boat. Then he uses his oars to row out a little way into the water. Simon drops his anchor, pulls the oars in, and listens.
Jesus’ words are amazing! He knew it the first time he heard Him speak, and his heart longed to be with Him. But Simon has a family to feed and a business to run. He can’t be trapsing off after Jesus; even if Andrew believes He is the Messiah.
Jesus teaches for over an hour. Peter feels the rocking of the boat and the hard morning he has had. He catches himself nodding of a couple of times. He shakes himself awake each time. Once, he dips his hand in the water and splashes it onto his face. Jesus smiles and doesn’t even break stride.
Finally, Jesus finishes and dismisses the crowd. Peter is ready to go back to shore, head home, and get some rest. Jesus has other ideas though.
Jesus looks at Simon and says; “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).
Simon shakes his head and breathes a labored sigh. “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5).
Simon pulls up the anchor and rows further out into the deep water. He hefts the heavy net onto his shoulder and heaves it out into the water. Jesus lends a hand, but He isn’t a fisherman. Usually, his brother would help him do this, but he is still on shore. He starts to sit down to wait, but a commotion in the water got his attention. His net was FILLED with fish!
His eyes grow huge and he starts pulling on the net to bring it into the boat. It’s too heavy!
“James, John, Andrew, get out here and help me” he calls to his partners.
Within seconds, the other boat is making its way to where Simon is struggling. It only takes a minute or two to reach him, but it feels like an eternity from both sides.
James and John pull their boat alongside and Andrew hops from their boat into the one with Simon and Jesus. All five men pull together on the nets. Fish start streaming into the boats as they draw the net in. It seems like an endless supply of fish pouring out of the nets; so many that the boats start to sink.
Quickly, John and Andrew grab the oars and begin rowing to shore. Simon, James, and Jesus hold fast to the net until they reach shallow water. At that point, James, John, and Andrew all climb out of the boats and begin dragging the net and the boats towards the shore. Zebedee rushes out to help. He is the abba of James and John.
Simon doesn’t get out of the boat. Instead, he falls at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8).
Jesus smiles at Simon and puts His hand on his shoulder. “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people” (Luke 5:10).
Simon rises from his knees and jumps out to help the final push to shore. When everything is safe on land, still bulging net and overflowing boats, the five partners look at one another in astonishment.
“Are you ready to follow Me” Jesus asks the four younger men.
“ABSOLUTLY” they chorus.
Jesus leads them away from the shore. Zebedee is left to bring the catch to market. This will provide enough for all the families for quite some time.
Jesus spends two more days in Capernaum. News of the catch has spread through town. He goes through the streets still calling to the people. “Repent, be baptized, and follow the Lord your God with all your hearts.”
It’s time for Passover. Jesus and His disciples set out for Jerusalem. They are not alone, as this is one of the annual pilgrimages for the Jews. Jesus’ disciples are excited. They talk about what to expect this year. “Will You be doing anything special while we are there?”
“You will have to wait and see. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.”
When they reach Jerusalem, it is the same as it is every year; teaming with people! The streets are packed, the countryside around it have tent settlements popping up like mushrooms after a bad rain.
At the Temple, merchants and money changers are hawking their services. They shout out to the people, trying to draw them in. If this weren’t enough, they are gouging the people for their services. A pair of doves or pigeons go for almost as much as a sheep, and the ‘fee’ of changing Roman coins to the Temple coin is exorbitant. The merchants are doing an exchange rate of two Roman coins to one Temple coin of the same value.
Jesus takes in all that is going on. It has been like this since He came as a child. As He was under His abba’s authority, He kept quiet about it. He also kept silent when He came with His ima; out of respect for her. Now, He is here in His own authority and power. It’s time to do something about it!
Jesus and His disciples set up their camp and Jesus collects the cords that held their bundles fast. He uses these to construct a whip. He tests it out several times once it is finished. It feels right in His hand.
Jesus wraps the whip into a loop and ties it at His waist, then He heads back into the city. His disciples scramble to follow Him. Their eyes are glued to Him, having no idea what He is about to do.
Walking straight to the merchants outside the Temple, Jesus looses the whip from His side and begins swinging it; bringing it down onto the tables of the merchants. Some scramble back or run away, while others stand defiantly. Those who don’t run, Jesus brings His whip down on their backs until they do.
The tables of the money changers, Jesus walks up to them and flips them over. Money goes flying in every direction. People, pushing and shoving, scramble to pick it up.
Next, Jesus goes to the stalls and cages where the animals are being held. “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:26) He calls as He opens the doors and gates.
Pandemonium ensues outside the Temple for nearly an hour before the merchants retrieve their merchandise and leave. Jesus stands watch, with His whip, the whole time. He will not permit them to set up shop again; at least not for today.
When all is calm again, Jesus joins with those entering the Temple and worshiping the Lord. After He has made His sacrifice, he finds a place on the steps to begin teaching. Many are in awe of His words. They hear authority behind them. He speaks as one who has studied the scrolls all His life, but His appearance is that of a common man.
One of the elders is enraptured by Jesus’ teaching, but he has to hide this fact from his fellow leaders. Those in the Temple are angered by Jesus’ behavior as well as His message.
“Is He trying to get us killed? If the Romans hear His words, they might believe we are planning a rebellion! Talking about a ‘new Kingdom’ and a ‘different King’.”
Jesus spends time in the Temple every day, teaching any who will listen. By the time He is ready to return home to Capernaum, He has amassed quite a following. And the follow Him right out of the city!
Evening comes on the last day of the festival. Jesus and His disciples, along with anyone who wants to follow Him, are in their camp for the night. They are sharing a meal and talking about what lies ahead.
Out of the darkness comes a man. He is dressed in black, so that the night can conceal him. He is hesitant at first, but Jesus notices him and welcomes him into the circle by the fire.
“Welcome, Nicodemus. Come warm yourself by the fire.”
Nicodemus sits across from Jesus. He isn’t even amazed that Jesus called him by name. He is a well know man. Eyes full of longing, the man speaks to Jesus. “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him” (John 3:2).
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3), Jesus says; not just to Nicodemus but to all who are listening in.
Nicodemus’ eyes narrow in confusion. “How can someone be born when they are old?” he asks. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” (John 3:4).
Jesus locks eyes with Nicodemus. “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:5-8).
Nicodemus is really confused now. “How can this be?” (John 3:9) he asks.
Jesus shakes His head in sorrow. “You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not understand these things?” Jesus’ face hardens a little. “Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” (John 3:10-15).
Nicodemus hangs his head in shame. He doesn’t understand; yet. But he WILL meditate on what he has heard tonight. With one last longing look at Jesus, he rises from his place at the fire and disappears into the night.
The next morning, Jesus and all who desire to follow Him, leave Jerusalem behind. Jesus isn’t taking them all the way to Capernaum, but into the wilderness by the Jordan. As they are walking along, many ask Jesus about being baptized.
“We wish to be baptized by You. John spoke of Your baptism and we desire to receive it.”
“I can baptize you with water this day, but the baptism John spoke of is for another time.”
“Yes! Baptize us now!”
Jesus stops at a place on the opposite shore of the Jordan from His cousin John. The two lock eyes across the river and smile. Jesus calls all those who desire to be baptized to step into the water. There are too many people for Jesus to baptize alone so He calls on His disciples for assistance.
While Jesus is tending to the people on His side of the Jordan, He is being watched by John’s disciples. After several days, they begin to become concerned because Jesus is drawing people away from John. They’re not sure what to make of this. They turn to John for answers.
“Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him” (John 3:26).
John looks across the river at Jesus. With face aglow with joy at the sight before him, John answers their concerns. “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:27-30).
Jesus stays only a few more days before sending the people back to their own towns. Once the people leave, he continues His journey home. He has one more unexpected stop along the way. Unexpected by those traveling with Him, but not to Him.
Jesus takes His disciples on a road not traveled by many Jews. It is a road that leads to the region known as Samaria. Jews avoid this region like the plague. His disciples begin to question His direction as they go farther and farther from the appointed path between Jerusalem and Galilee.
“Master, we shouldn’t be going this way.”
“Why is that” Jesus asks.
“Because it leads to Samaria!”
“I know. Is there a problem with that?”
“It’s just not done!”
“Have you not learned that I don’t always do what is expected yet?”
No more is said. They follow Jesus right to the edge of town; Sychar. Jesus walks over to the city well and sits on the bricks circling it.
“I’m tired. I’m going to rest here for a little bit. Go into the city and buy us something to eat. I’ll be here when you get back.”
The disciples look at one another. They shrug and go the rest of the way into town, in search of food.
While Jesus waits at the well, a woman from town comes to draw water. She holds her head low but is determined in her mission. She doesn’t make eye contact with Jesus and says nothing as she approaches. She is an outcast in her own society.
Jesus knows her completely. He waits silently as she begins drawing water. When her jar is full, He asks her for a favor.
“Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7).
Her eyes grow big in surprise. “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (John 4:9).
Jesus smiles at her. “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water” (John 4:10).
Her face contorts with confusion. “Sir, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” (John 4:11-12).
Jesus patted the stones beside him. His eyes sparkle as He answers her. “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).
The woman’s face lights up. “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water” (John 4:15).
“Here it comes” Jesus thinks to Himself. To her He says; “Go, call your husband and come back” (John 4:16).
Her face colors in shame. “I have no husband” (John 4:17a).
Jesus’ voice is soft and filled with warmth as He addresses her. “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true” (John 4:17b-19).
Her eyes go wide. “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet” (John 4:19). She looks around her. They are so different, in so many ways. She wonders if there might be some way past those differences. “Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem” (John 4:20).
Jesus smiles at her before continuing. “Woman, believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:21-24).
She considers what Jesus is saying. She says to Him; “I know that Messiah is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us” (John 4:25).
With a smile as bright as the sun, Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he” (John 4:26).
Right after Jesus made this declaration, His disciples returned. They were surprised to find Jesus talking to a Samaritan; and a woman at that. But they weren’t about to ask Him why. They stood silently by.
The woman’s eyes are alight with excitement. She leaves her water jar and rushes back to town. As soon as she enters the square, she begins calling out to the people.
“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29).
After the woman left, Jesus’ disciples tried to get him to eat. “Rabbi, eat something” (John 4:30).
Jesus keeps looking in the direction the woman went. Without turning His head, He replies; “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” (John 4:32).
His disciples look at one another in confusion. “Could someone have brought him food?” (John 4:33).
Jesus shakes His head. He knows they don’t understand; yet. “My food, is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor” (John 4:34-38).
Just then the people from town come walking towards Jesus. They are intrigued by the woman’s words. They want to see for themselves if this IS the Christ.
Jesus smiles and welcomes everyone. He begins teaching them by the well. No one moves a muscle. They hang on His every word.
When night falls, Jesus and His disciples are invited to stay the night. Jesus readily agrees and everyone moves to the town square. Jesus and His disciples spend the night in the square. Several of the Samaritans stand guard, ensuring that none disturb Him.
In the morning Jesus resumes teaching the people. By midafternoon, He begins answering questions for them. When Jesus and His disciples leave, they have made many new friends and many of them become believers in Jesus.
As Jesus and His disciples disappear in the distance, the people turn to the woman and thank her. They also share their conviction. “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world” (John 4:47).
Jesus and His disciples finally reach Galilee. The people are excited to have Him back. Many of them were at the festival with Him and are excited about the things He did and taught during that time.
Life goes back to teaching and ministering to the people that come seeking Jesus.
(to be continued)
I’m still struggling to get things in order. I hope I’m not so consumed with that to the point that I miss what the Spirit is trying to tell me in the stories.
I would have loved to walk those streets with Jesus; which is where the name for my blog came from. Can you imagine the excitement, the confusion, the heartache, the miles, and everything in between that Jesus and those who followed Him went through each day? I pray I would have made it all the way to the cross with Him. But I don’t know what I really would have done, or even been allowed to do in His time; as I am a woman.
Today, I can follow wherever He takes me! For that, I am eternally grateful.
Father God, I LOVE Your stories. I can only imagine the excitement the woman felt as Jesus talked with her. He didn’t condemn her. He didn’t make her feel ashamed. He affirmed her with truth. Letting her KNOW that He saw her; completely. And He STILL chose to interact with her! THAT is LOVE. Everyone else in town had written her off. You don’t give up on ANYONE.
Father God, my daughter is questioning all that You have ever said. She has questions I can’t answer. But YOU can. Send someone, even if it is through a video, who can address her questions and soften her heart towards You. My heart hurts for her. She needs someone to ‘tell her everything she ever did’ and still love her.
Maybe that was the message from the story You have for me today. You are telling me that YOU can do that. Send that person soon Father, for time is growing short.
