John 7:12

The masses in town are busy talking about Jesus.  The opinions run the gamut from admiration to condemnation.  “He is a wonderful man!” say some, while others vehemently disagree. “He is nothing but a charlatan and a fraud, intent on pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes!” they answer back.  John 7:12 EFP 
 
There you have it!  The extremes tend to settle in before the consensus is established.  Jesus is either a wonderful man or an unmitigated fraud.  All the other opinions fall in between those two extremes.  Is it no wonder these opinions have developed.  After all, the Jewish people are weary of wannabe “messiahs” stirring up the pot only to fade into the background when their efforts are crushed by the power of Rome.  They can only handle so much disillusionment.

One thing I notice is that the people have not gotten their minds around the concept of Jesus as the Son of God.  Many conclude he is probably a good man, but that is a long way from being divine.  The opposition had already established its beachhead of opinion, though I sense, neither the ones who are leaning his way, nor those who have a strong negative opinion have personally met Jesus yet.  This is all hearsay.  But Jesus is always near.  He want to meet me. He wants to bring me to a point of decision in his favor.  For that, there needs to be an encounter.  I have to believe something is about to happen.