Confusion on the crowd's reactions

[CatholicZ09]

Now, whenever Jesus enters into Jerusalem, the crowds are rejoicing because they see him as a great conquerer. Then they turn against him when he gets accused. Why such a drastic change in the crowd reactions? I mean, are they two different crowds?

 

[JRKH]

Now, whenever Jesus enters into Jerusalem, the crowds are rejoicing because they see him as a great conquerer. Then they turn against him when he gets accused. Why such a drastic change in the crowd reactions? I mean, are they two different crowds?

Partly yes they are a different crowd.
I look at it as three main groups of people,

1. True diciples,
2. True enemies
   and the main ingredient
3. Those who blow with the wind.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem He was met by groups 1 and 3 whowere, as you say largely hoping for a military type deliverer.
When Jesus was arrested, group 1 scattered for the most part, and group 2 began stirring up group 2 who were obviously disappointed that no “liberation” was imminent.
Thus by the time Pilot brought Him out for the famous choice between Jesus and Barrabus (sp?) he was met by groups 2 and 3.

Peace
James

 

[jcrichton]

Now, whenever Jesus enters into Jerusalem, the crowds are rejoicing because they see him as a great conquerer. Then they turn against him when he gets accused. Why such a drastic change in the crowd reactions? I mean, are they two different crowds?

Hi, Catholic!

I think that we miss pertinent data (as that offered in Acts 14:1-20; 17:5-9); crowds are nothing if not subjective–we see this time and again as “polls” and other tools are used to sway the mind of the people; if the leaders are charismatic enough or if they promise… say… “change” or “women’s health,” the crowds would follow to the bitter end (even if it’s federally-funded world-wide abortions promoted as “the American Dream” or “health/liberation for women”).

When Jesus preached, healed or performed any other miracle, the crowds followed, searched Him out, and even traveled hours/days to meet up with Him or to precede Him to His next stop. But Jesus had a massive number of nemeses campagning against Him (the religious elite, which included the Masters/Doctors of the Law); as with any political/religious movement, there were in place the crowd agitators that served to sway the mind of the weak and push those that were indebted to, as it is coined today, “the man.” We see this strong-arm being pulled off right in plain daylight (St. John 9:1-41; specifically vs 18-23 and 30-34–interestingly enough, the blind man touches on one of the Signs of the Messiah (the origins would not be known) and they refused to heed it!), and even amongst the very religious elite the arm bending was curt and ominous (St. John 7:45-52).

We must understand Scriptues from their origins; as the Suffering Servant, those who trully Believe in Yahweh God could not resort to muscle, bribery or treachery to win over the crowds. I believe that there were more silent witnesses than the Scritpures have revealed as true Believers would remain hidden till Pentecost.

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[Oldtimer_7]

There are four Greek terms that were used to identify what we may translate as crowds. Ochlos meant just a collection of people in one place. Plethos is also translated multitude, and it means a large crowd or all of a collection of people. The there is* laos*, which is used to describe those who accept Jesus as the Christ. Finally there is ethni, which can be translated as a people or a nation. Particularly in Luke, it is important to know which term is used to get an idea of how the group functions. Minimally, Strong’s numbers will help identify the group.

 

[JRKH]

There are four Greek terms that were used to identify what we may translate as crowds. Ochlos meant just a collection of people in one place. Plethos is also translated multitude, and it means a large crowd or all of a collection of people. The there is* laos*, which is used to describe those who accept Jesus as the Christ. Finally there is ethni, which can be translated as a people or a nation. Particularly in Luke, it is important to know which term is used to get an idea of how the group functions. Minimally, Strong’s numbers will help identify the group.

This is great information. Thanks.

I am continually surprised at how the Greek or Hebrew is different than how we often times understand from our translations. I’m coming more to understand why some chose to learn Greek and Hebrew in order to grow in knowledge and understanding.

For those of us who are unable (for whatever reason) to learn these languages, you are right that Strong’s is a wonderful help in gaining understanding.

Peace
James

 

[Nelka]

Fear.