From the very beginning, Jesus attracted quite a crowd of folks. The early pages of Matthew tell us of a journey through Galilee in which He taught in the synagogues, preached the good news of the Kingdom wherever there was opportunity, and brought a healing ministry to those in need. It is not surprising that "His fame spread..." (Matthew 4:24). Fame can be a two edged sword. On the one hand, it opens doors for touching more people, but on the other hand, many who came showed up to get what they could get from Jesus and not because they were particularly interested in the message He was preaching about the Kingdom. As the Word says, "Great crowds followed Him..." (Matthew 4:25).
It continues to be an issue for many today. Today's preaching culture is one which wants to hear the word which proclaims the benefits of believing. Too many people show up on Sunday with a "what's in it for me" mindset and if that mindset is not fed and nurtured, they soon go somewhere that the message they want to hear can be heard. It is not a day when strong Biblical preaching, or delving into theological truths is desired by the crowds. Even as so many showed up in Jesus's day to get the things they saw that Jesus could give them, so do many show up today for the same reason.
It puts preachers in a quandary. Of course, it is no problem for those who have built monuments to themselves that have as the foundational pillars messages that tickle the ears, but for those who seek a different ministry of a deeper spiritual substance, it is hard to faithfully preach a gospel about sin and repentance as well as redemption through the shed blood on the cross. It is hard, too, for those who listen to hear not that which tickles the ears, but as was said in days gone by, "steps on my toes."
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