Three Reasons People Are Not Willing to Follow Jesus

Jesus basically says, “Let’s look at the evidence of the one who paved the way for My coming and with whom I closely aligned Myself: the ministry of John the Baptist.” Those who come to Jesus with hostile intentions never receive a direct answer. The response forces them to think. Jesus twice commands them, “Answer Me.” The implication is they lack the courage to give an honest answer.

Like Jesus, John came preaching a message of repentance. And, like Jesus, he bypassed the temple and the official religious authorities. If Jesus was a hick from the sticks, John was a “wilderness wacko” in the opinion of the temple mafia. Not so, however, among the common people, hence the dilemma of the religious leaders. “They were afraid of the crowd because everyone thought John was a genuine prophet” (v. 32).

They do not deny the evidence as they huddle up to draft their response. They struggle with how to set it aside. John was popular with the people, and his ministry was universally believed to have been given to him by God. So what if he had no human credentials, he had God’s! Yet in spite of the evidence, the religious leaders rejected him and did not lift a finger when he was unjustly murdered by Herod (6:14-29).

Jesus’ question is pure genius. He is not being evasive. His argument is basically this:

When Mark began his Gospel, he cited Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, linking the ministries of John and Jesus to prophetic promise. The evidence is there, but the hearts of these men will not embrace it. They may attempt to put forth a rational argument against Jesus, but in the end it is an emotional reaction rooted in a fear of losing control, losing their position, and losing their way of life.

For so many people the real problem is not the evidence. The problem is internal: it is us and our sin. The idols of the heart are the real issue. If I accept that Jesus is the Son of God who died for my sins and was raised from the dead, then my life will never be the same. But I like my life. With eyes shut and ears plugged, I do not want to talk about this anymore. As Abraham says to the rich man in hell in Luke 16:31, “If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.”

Mark 11:32-33

Few things in life are more paralyzing than fear. According to a recent Gallup Poll, more American adults—51 percent—fear snakes than any other common possibility the pollsters suggested, including heights, flying, storms, the dark, or going to the doctor (Brewer, “Snakes”). Women, in particular, are terrified by the slinky slitherers. And what else are Americans afraid of?

In this text God’s Word addresses a fear that is common to all people: the fear of man. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected” (cf. 1 Sam 15:24; Luke 12:4-5).

Mark 11:32 lays bare what is at the core of the religious authorities’ being: “They were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was a genuine prophet.” And so they beg off: “We don’t know.” Jesus shuts264 them down: “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things,” although the parable of the wicked tenant farmers that follows will give them a big hint (see 12:1-12, esp. v. 12).

It’s sad, isn’t it? What was expedient and safe was more important to them than what was true and right. “We don’t know” was a lie motivated by fear. They would rather keep their position and live a lie than submit to Christ and walk in the truth. They had neither sincere motives nor an open mind. Cowardice instead of courage now registers on their barometer.

So here is a question for all of us to consider, especially if you have never trusted in Christ and submitted your life to His authority: What is holding you back? Is it your desire to be the lord of your own life? Is it your refusal to honestly consider His claims? Is it that you fear men more than you fear God? Is it really that you have not been given good answers to your questions? Is it really that Jesus is not sufficiently good and glorious and true and kind and loving? Or is it that you are paralyzed from moving forward for the same reason these religious leaders were?

Twice in this section of Mark, it says the religious leaders were afraid of the people. The fear of man hindered their movement toward Jesus. Their fear of what others would think paralyzed them. Their fear of losing face, of losing power and position and prestige, condemned them.

Be honest with yourself today. How much of your hesitation and alleged doubts and unanswered questions are really a mask to hide your fear of what faith in Christ might cost you socially, culturally, relationally, and financially? Look once more into the face of this Jesus. Listen once more to the words He speaks. Watch once again how He loves the unlovely. Ponder once more His claim to be God. Be willing to come to Jesus. The end result will not disappoint you.