The Law of Moses clearly warns about mob violence (Exodus 23:2). Group dynamics and mass hysteria operate in a mob. Usually, the damage is done before the truth is ascertained. And clever persons, including wily politicians, manipulate such groups for their benefit. In Ephesus, a crowd was mobilized by vested business interests; they shouted slogans for two hours but did not know why they were gathered there. (Acts 19:32) There are four steps in this unfortunate journey of life for mobsters which is evidenced in the mob that shouted against Lord Jesus Christ. (Luke 23:18-21)
Simple: They are unable to discern what is true. Sadly, they think people who communicate are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and have authority. Shrewd, wicked, and evil leaders are clever, they relentlessly communicate their version of ‘truth’ which is falsehood.
Stupid: They start believing in false propaganda. They believe in myths, half-truths, legends, and connoted tales. Slowly, they do not listen to any other voices. Thus, the simple become stupid. The Chief Priests and other religious leaders of Judaism were feeding the masses with lies against Lord Jesus Christ.
Stubborn: They like to be rooted in their false belief and do not want to hear anything that contradicts what they believe. Vociferously and violently, they declare they are right. The Simple, Stupid now have become stubborn. The mob that brayed for the blood of Lord Jesus Christ. They made the wrong choice of Barabbas. They chose hate, not love; lawlessness instead of law; violence instead of peace; bitterness and revenge.
Strategic weapon: They will become Strategic weapons in the hands of some manipulator or vested interest. The mob could become a tool of violence for manipulators. Many dictators have whipped up mass hysteria and channeled their energy for evil purposes of irrational violence. “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (Romans 6:13)
Am I stupid and stubborn to follow the unruly crowd?