Today (April 13) is Palm Sunday. Christians remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, just days before he would exit that city on the way to his execution. The gospel accounts tell us that the city was full of exuberance and excitement as Jesus riding on a donkey, received the adulation of the crowds who waved palm branches and spread their clothing in front of them.
By the end of the week, things changed drastically. Jesus, who had been hailed as King just days before, now stood before Pilate on trial for his life. And the crowds were there too, only now their shouts were no longer “Hosannah” but “Crucify !! Away with him!”
What had changed? From Jesus’ point of view – Nothing. He was still who he really was – the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world – only now He was closer to fulfilling that role. From the religious leaders’ point of view? Nothing. Jesus was still the enemy that they were plotting to kill. They had already condemned him to death, but they needed Pilate’s help. Only he could pronounce the sentence of death which the Roman soldiers would execute.
But much had changed as far as public opinion was concerned. What would cause a crowd of people who one day thought Jesus was the greatest change their minds to bray for his blood? Matthew 27:20 (NIV) tells us,
“But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.”
Public opinion can be swayed and changed. We’re not sure how the chief priests and the elders did it, but we know they were successful.
Americans had an election just several months ago. As this is being written, Canadians are in the middle of an election. In both cases there has been much manipulation of public opinion. The media, celebrities, polling companies have all played a role. Right now in Canada, the big question is how reliable are the polls? Are they really telling us what people are thinking, or are they a tool to influence how people think?
I lean towards the latter. While I have committed to not engaging in politics online, this phenomenon of public manipulation is not so much political as it is evil. Why does it work? Because so few people take the time to examine their values. If we did that, and did our homework to do our own research and our thinking, rather than letting others do it for us, perhaps the result would be different. So now we wait.