Mob Violence

Mobs are powerful entities. I often think of the times in even recent history when a few angry people have been able to incite an entire community, causing injuries, property damage, and even deaths. Afterwards, many people do end up paying for their actions, others don't. However, the victims always have to recover the effects of the mob.

I often think of the mob that gathered outside of Pilate's place before Jesus was sentenced to death. Jesus had been a popular guy with people following him, asking for his help, and listening to his words. He made the wrong people mad, though, and paid the price. While standing in front of Pilate, the crowd became a mob. I'm sure people that supported him turned and began to shout "crucify him, crucify him." It's easy to get caught up in the fervor of the moment and do/say things that you never would under normal circumstances. I'd like to think that I would be strong enough to resist the mob influence and stand up for Jesus, but I know that I probably wouldn't. And that bothers me at times.

I've been on the receiving end of "mob" behavior too and frankly, not fun. I see clearly that people who would not normally act or say certain things do because of the influence of others. It's incredibly hard to love those who follow the pack blindly, forsaking the possibility that they may be wrong. But that's what Jesus did. While on the cross, he asked God to forgive "the mob" because they didn't know what they were doing. It's an example that I am going to try to follow during the next few weeks, to lift up those who have betrayed and hurt me to God. Because maybe, just maybe, if I do that enough, I will find the strength to forgive them as well. Mobs are powerful entities. Although they may win out in the short run, the ultimate win belongs to those who can rise above the pack and keep their eyes on God.