[b]He never sought to amuse themJesus pitied sinners, pleaded with them, sighed over them, warned them, and wept over them; but He never sought to amuse them!When many of His disciples turned away, because of the searching nature of His preaching--I do not find there was any attempt to bring them back, by resorting to something more pleasant to the flesh. I do not hear Him saying, "We must keep up the gatherings at any cost! So run after the people, Peter, and tell them we will have a different style of service tomorrow! Something very short and attractive, with little, if any, preaching. Today was a service for God--but tomorrow we will have a pleasant evening for the people! Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it, and have a pleasant time. Be quick, Peter! We must get the people somehow; if not by Gospel--then by entertainment!" No, this was not how He argued. Gazing in sorrow on those who would not hear the Word--He simply turns to the twelve, and asks, "Will you go away also?"
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
What a concise snapshot of the Eternal One by which to measure ministry for all time! The rich young ruler walked away sorrowfully. The wannabe's for following were told the cost and did not follow, and we are given the parable of the tower and the war to ponder whether or not we are willing to be among the few that will endure till the end and be saved. Such a glaring contrast to "churchianity" for the people and by the people, and for the money. Clint
_________________Clint Thornton
