Why do we come to Jesus?

Under these circumstances, after so many thousands of people had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, He began saying to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops. (Luke 12:1-3 NASB)

We begin Chapter 12 with an exciting verse. "Many thousands" of people had gathered together. There were so many people in one place, eager to see Jesus, that they were stepping on one another. Literally. Imagine that for a moment. People crowding together, all intent on one thing. Hearing from Jesus. They weren't there for the entertainment. They weren't there to be seen. (Well, maybe some of them were.) Most of the people were present for one reason. Jesus.

Luke prefaces that description of the crowd with three words, "under these circumstances". The "circumstances" were that Jesus had been invited to lunch by a Pharisee. Several other Pharisees and lawyers joined them. Jesus spoke hard truth to them and they didn't like it. After He left, they began to plot against Him. Destruction was afoot. Despite the fury of the religious leaders, now in open opposition to Jesus, the crowds still came to hear Him.

Why? Because they were hungry for something that their faith, as defined by the scribes and Pharisees, didn't give them. They wanted more than sacrifice. They wanted a way of life and a relationship with Almighty God. They wanted their lives to be clean and fresh and new in a way that only true repentance and the forgiveness of God, not an animal sacrifice, could give.

Despite the opposition of the leaders of their day, the people came to Jesus. We don't have to risk the displeasure or outright opposition of leaders in this country when we come to Jesus. Not yet, but one day we might. In countries around the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ risk their lives every day to worship Him. 

Why do people risk their lives for Jesus? Because He is worth it. Why did the crowds come in such large numbers despite the opposition of religious leaders? Certainly some came to see what all the fuss was about, but the main reason was that He is worth it. 

Are you frustrated with your life? Unhappy in relationships? Weary with the load you bear? Come to Jesus. Even if you've known Him for decades, the weight of this world can press in until you hardly know what to do. If that's where you are, bring your burdens to Jesus and leave them with Him. 


Centuries ago, Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah, the Shepherd God would send. He was talking about Jesus. Read these verses again and let them be like balm, giving you strength and helping you through.

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.

Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40:11, 29, 31 NASB)

The Journey, Part 19: the Welcome

Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida. But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing. (Luke 9:10-11 NASB)

The twelve had recently returned from the Journey of Obedience and given a full report of their work to Jesus, who listened to every detail. They likely savored the work of God as they talked, but Jesus soon called them back to the present need. His time was limited and He needed to be about the business of redeeming mankind. "Let's go to Bethsaida," He said, and they headed out. 

Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Philip had all lived in Bethsaida in their younger years, so it was home for them. They may have looked forward to seeing friends and family again, but there wasn't much time for reunions. The crowds of people who followed Jesus soon realized where Jesus was headed and followed Him there. When they arrived, Jesus did the most beautiful thing imaginable. He greeted the crowd and welcomed them. 

Selah. Pause and consider. 

The Son of God was pursued by the crowd. The disciples may well have been tired from their trip, and Jesus was likely tired from having to minister without the assistance of the twelve, but fatigue did not stop Jesus. He looked at the crowd and was glad to see them, even though the crowd meant more teaching, more sick people, more need, more healing. 

The word translated as "welcoming" is apodechomai and is a little surprising at first glance. It literally means "to accept" or "to receive" or "to receive heartily". Jesus was not just being polite. He accepted the crowd, receiving them just as they were. Jesus did not require them to change their ways, clean up their acts, or offer sacrifices first. They came to Jesus with all their need and all their sin, and Jesus was glad to see them. He was not just glad to see them, though. He received them heartily. 

How could the One who never sinned heartily accept and welcome a crowd of people who were full of sin and need?  He could accept them because He loved them. He is full of grace and mercy and willingly gave of Himself to those who did not deserve it.  They were people who were as flawed as we ourselves and yet He loved them, and He loves us, as well. 

Although we are flawed, full of need, full of sin, our Lord still loves us, still accepts us, and still welcomes us just as we are. Do you have a longing for a deeper relationship with our Lord? Are you holding back because you feel unworthy or fear He will reject you? There is no need for delay. Just as He welcomed the crowds, our Lord will welcome you. He will greet you with apodechomai, heartily receiving you with whatever you bring to Him.