Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him. John 7:43-44
Jesus.
The mere mention of His name invokes a reaction. When I here His name, I am humbled, excited, happy, maybe even a little afraid. He is the Son of God, and I know it.
But there are many who are offended by the mention of His name. People in our "free" country scream about the separation of church and state if He is honored publicly in any way. Others turn apathetic - unsure of anything but their own desires.
Not a lot has changed in two thousand years. When Jesus walked on the earth, He tended to stir things up. The priests and the Pharisees became outraged by His indignance over their petty laws - trying to acquire holiness in their own strength. Many people didn't know what to make of Him. Even the temple guard acknowledged that no one had ever spoken like Him.
But there were others - those who believed.
Where would I have been if I had been in the crowd that day? Would I side with the priests? Aren't they the keepers of the law? Or would I - against all rational thinking - believe in this man, whom many said couldn't be the Christ. If they had searched for truth, they would have found it. He is Messiah. He is Lord.
Father, save the lost. The world needs You.
I need You.