Initially, Jesus’ ministry of love drew many followers.
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” -Matthew 4:23-25
His star continued to rise as he entered Jerusalem.
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’ “ -Matthew 21:8-11
The reciprocation of the love Jesus teaches, however, is far from certain. In Matthew’s gospel, it changes quickly.
“…when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them…”What shall I do…with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”…They all answered, “Crucify him!” -Matthew 27:17, 22
His community of love had already scattered before this democratic verdict. Even Simon, who had insisted that he was willing to die for Jesus, denied ever being in relationship with him. The love expressed by Jesus was not reciprocated.
And so love died.
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