Disneyland and Jesus

In chapter 12 of the book of Luke, we are witness to a scene that describes a crowd following Jesus that numbers in the thousands. Reading this passage reminds me why I hate to be in a crowd. While growing up in southern California, I visited Disneyland to the point that it made me literally, sick. I remember one new years eve that my wife and I went with friends to Disneyland and I was part of one of the largest crowds I have ever been in. I’m sorry, the Pirates of the Caribbean is a cool attraction but never worth a two hour wait. People were obviously drawn to the presence of Jesus and crowds were just part of the equation.

Now in the middle of all of this pandemonium, the apostles are probably expecting to hear some words from Jesus as to how they can control the crushing crowd but instead are told something that should shake every one of us to our very human foundation. Jesus tells them, and us, that ALL of our darkest secrets will be shouted from the roof top so that everyone can hear what they are. I don’t know about you, I am not looking forward to that happening. My only relief is that, as a Christian, those terrible deeds are forgiven and when the devil, my accuser, stands there and tells God and everyone else just how rotten I am, my Redeemer will intercede and explain that those sins are forgiven and are not valid anymore.

Jesus also speaks of the hypocrisy that invades religion and how it ruins the faith of those in and out of the church. As I pointed out earlier, hypocrisy allows the enemies of God to gain a foothold in their battle for the souls of men.