Publicity is an attempt, deliberately designed to attract and manage public attention. It is possible to buy it. I don't do it often, but I have paid lots of money for some of it....
Movie stars and politicians are very stratetic about managing how the public percieves them. They go to great lengths to be at the right place at the right time, wearing the right thing, saying the right thing...
The best kind is free.
The best kind can't be bought.
The best kind is word of mouth....not managed, not designed, not some strategy.
Jesus' disciples would have been publicists if Jesus had cooperated with them.
As I continue in my study of John's gospel account, I read in John 7 about Jesus' ministry going forward, and it is again near the festival season. (...think 4th of July when everyone rushes to the lake with hamburger and hotdog supplies..)
Jesus would have participated in these festivities every year as He grew up. It would have had great religious meaning but would also have been part of His heritage and something He had shared with His family and friends.
Jesus would have participated in these festivities every year as He grew up. It would have had great religious meaning but would also have been part of His heritage and something He had shared with His family and friends.
"It was near the time of Tabernacles, a feast observed annually by the Jews. His brothers said, "Why don't you leave here and go up to the Feast so your disciples can get a good look at the works you do. No one who intends to be publicly known does everything behind the scenes. If you're serious about what you are doing, come out in the open and show the world." (John 7:2-4)
Just as the devil had suggested, (Matthew 4:5-6), now Jesus' brothers suggest, "Dazzle them! Show off some of those tricks you can do !! This is a perfect opportunity, all these people in town, everyone receptive to hearing about Messiah, You can take down the house !!"
But....as they should have realized, miracles don't bring about belief. They had seen, yet demand more miraculous 'proof'.
Jesus is the most famous person Who ever walked this earth, but His strategy to be in the right place at the right time was not a plan to manage public opinion.
It was a strategy planned out from eternity past.....
It was a strategy to be in ONLY the right place at the right time....
.......on Calvary's hill, as the Lamb of God, at the time of the final Passover.
Hallelujah.
