“And as he went out of _Jericho_ with his disciples, and a great number of people;” ♦ὄχλου ἱκανοῦ a great number of mob, or rabble, as the High-priests of that generation termed them: for these were the constant followers of JESUS of _Nazareth_; it was the poor that received his gospel, the common people heard him gladly, and followed him from place to place. Not that all who followed him, were his true disciples. No, some followed him only for his loaves, others out of curiosity; though some undoubtedly followed to hear, and be edified by the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth. JESUS knew this, and was also sensible how displeasing this crowding after him was to some of the rulers of the _Jewish_ church, who, upon every occasion, were ready to say, “Have any of the Scribes and Pharisees believed on him?” But, notwithstanding, I do not hear of our blessed LORD’s sending them home but once; and that was, after they had been with him three days, and had nothing left to eat, he saw they were as sheep having no shepherd, and therefore had compassion on them, and taught them. A sufficient warrant this for gospel-ministers to preach to poor souls that follow to hear the word, whatever principle their coming may proceed from. At the same time, they should caution people against thinking themselves christians, because they follow CHRIST’s ministers. This our LORD frequently did. For there are many that followed JESUS, and now follow his ministers, and hear them gladly; nay, perhaps do many things, as _Herod_ did, who, it is to be feared, will never follow them into the kingdom of heaven. Much people followed JESUS out of _Jericho_, but how many of them were offended in him; and afterwards, it may be, cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him.” Who would depend on popularity? It is like the morning cloud, or early dew, that passeth away. But what a press, and seemingly continued hurry of business did the blessed JESUS live in! he could not be hid; go where he would, much people followed him. He had scarce time to eat bread. Happy is it for such who are called to act in a public station in the church, and to be more abundant in labours, that their JESUS has trodden in this dangerous path before them. Popularity is a fiery furnace, and no one, but he who kept the three children amidst _Nebuchadnezzar_’s flames, can preserve popular ministers from being hurt by it. But we can do all things through CHRIST strengthening us. And I have often thought, that there is one consideration sufficient to extinguish, or moderate at least, any excess of joy and self-complacence, which the most popular preacher may feel, when followed even by the greatest multitudes; and that is this, “How many of these hearers will go away, without receiving any saving benefit by my preaching; nay, how many, it may be, will only have their damnation increased by it!” As we find many will say at the great day, “hast thou not taught in our streets;” to whom JESUS shall answer, “Verily, I know you not.”
♦ “ὓγλουικανοῦ” replaced with “ὄχλου ἱκανοῦ”