The Law of Moses clearly warns about mob violence (Exodus 23:2). Group dynamics and mass hysteria operate in a mob. Usually, damage is done before the truth is ascertained. And clever people manipulate such groups for their own benefits. There are five steps of this unfortunate journey of life for mobsters. The steps are evident in the mob that shouted against Lord Jesus Christ. (Luke 23:18-21)
1) Simple Minded: First, people are simple. They are unable to discern what is true, who could be trusted. Generally, they depend on others to know what is right or just or correct or worthy. People with vested interests easily mislead them. In this case the Jewish religious leaders were trusted by simple folks.
2) Stupid: Second, they love hearing rhetoric, especially words that humiliate and ridicule others. Thus, they start believing in false propaganda. Myths, half-truths, legends, and connoted tales excite them. Thus, the simple people become stupid. The Chief Priests and other religious leaders of Judaism were feeding the masses with lies, half-truth and hate-soaked tales.
3) Stubborn: They like to be rooted in their belief and do not want to hear anything that contradicts what they believe. The religious leaders told the mob that Lord Jesus was trying to destroy their religion, faith, traditions, rituals, and the Temple. The mob that brayed for the blood of Lord Jesus Christ chose irrational hatred instead of love; lawlessness instead of law; violence instead of peace; bitterness and revenge.
4) Strategic weapon: Such mobs will become Strategic weapons in the hands of some manipulators or vested interests or mafia. The mob could become a tool of violence for manipulators including politicians.
5) Satan’s victim: Being tools in the hands of unrighteous leaders, they become instruments of unrighteousness in the hands of Satan. “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 careful not to be following a mob?