Lionel Messi’s tour to Kolkata ended in shambles as the fans gathered in Salt Lake stadium, booed, threw bottles and chairs and vandalised the stadium. Messi was surrounded by several dignitaries and politicians throughout his short stay at the Salt Lake Stadium, leading to fans in the stands barely being able to spot him. This eventually led to disgruntled fans, who showed their disapproval by booing officials and throwing chairs and bottles. He left in 20 minutes for security reasons, which would have been a two-hour event. (The Times of India, 13 December 2025)
Privileged crowd: Messi was surrounded by the host, political leaders, sports stars, and film stars. The people who had paid to be there to have a glimpse of their favourite player were unable to spot him amid the privileged crowd.
Obstruction of crowd: When the Lord was teaching in a home, four friends wanted to bring their paralysed friend to the Lord. However, the crowd around him did not give way for them. The creative friends climbed the roof, removing tiles, and lowered their friend right before the Lord. (Luke 5:17-39) Bartimaeus was prevented by the crowd, when he cried unto the Lord. But the Lord stopped and healed the blind man. (Mark 10:46-52) Short Zacchaeus had to climb a tree to have a glimpse of Jesus because of the crowd in Jericho. (Luke 19:1-10)
The needy people: The paralysed man desperately needed healing, and friends were ready to help him to come to Jesus. But the crowd blocked them. The blind Bartimaeus desperately needed his sight. The crowd tried to silence him from crying to the Lord. Zacchaeus needed salvation and shalom, but the crowd denied it to him.
Lord’s mercy: The Son of God commended the faith of the four friends who found creative ways to lead people to the Lord. Though the crowd tried to silence him, he cried louder, and the Lord stopped and healed him. Zacchaeus hid away from the prying eyes, whispering mouths, and hostile crowd, but the Lord called him out to grant him salvation.
Am I blocking or facilitating people who are coming to Jesus?