I’m
not really sure why anyone would want to be a celebrity. I know I don’t want to
be really famous. I like being able slip in and out of places without being
noticed, without someone asking for an autograph or a selfie with me. I don’t
want the special perks, like the limo and driver. I don’t want the vacation
homes in Tuscany or Aspin. I don’t want the chef preparing gourmet meals every
day. I don’t want people constantly telling me how great I am.
OK,
I can see how there might be an allure to being famous. But I don’t want to
give up my privacy, or the little I have left with the government collecting
data. I know Google Maps has my picture, or at least it did until the most
recent update! If we post anything on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, they
have you. And there is no going back!
Jesus
had a problem with crowds. Everywhere He went, the crowds seemed to flood Him.
As soon as He would arrive in a new place, word would spread and people would
bring the sick to Him to be healed. I can imagine if I were in His shoes, I
would get very tired of this. Just the physical demands of all the giving would
take its toll on anyone. And yet Jesus keeps giving.
If
you remember the flow of our text, Jesus has been trying to pull His disciples
aside for some much needed R&R. They were sent out on their first public PR
campaign, and Jesus hasn’t had sufficient time to debrief them and give them
time to recuperate. Every time they get in a boat to pull away from the crowds
to get that much needed alone time, the crowds show up and Jesus turns His
attention to the crowds and away from what seemed to be at least temporarily
something important.
This
does not mean that what Jesus is doing is unimportant, or that the disciples
can’t learn from watching and participating in what Jesus is doing. But it does
mean that Jesus’ notoriety did get in the way. Remember how Jesus would specifically
tell people to NOT spread the news about healing or miracle that He had
performed. He didn’t want the publicity. He knew it would change the execution
of His mission.
So
next time you look at the perks of being a celebrity, remember the downsides as
well. I pray none of you seeks
celebrity status. If it happens because of the Holy Spirit’s role in your life,
then so be it. I pray that you don’t seek it as an end in itself. And I pray
for those who are celebrities, that they would learn to not believe what is
written about them, that they take a sober look at their reality and call out
for the grace of God. I know I do.