Numerous scriptural references allude to crowds forming whenever Jesus was nearby. The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) share common themes and formats in relating stories surrounding Jesus’ three-year ministry. The Gospel of John shares many of the same stories but uses more original material. One telling difference with John is that the author refers to miracles as signs. Jesus is also presented as a mystic. Mystic or not, all was not well for Jesus as the pressures of ministry mounted.

While crowds presented great opportunities for teaching, they also demanded much energy from Jesus and the disciples. Several instances describe the crowds “pressing in” on Jesus, and disciples pressing back, to the extent that Jesus asked to be taken elsewhere to a place of calm and quiet. Even Jesus had his limits. Crowds seldom inspire the very best in people, although there are exceptions. Even then we like to blame herd mentality for our mis-actions and misdeeds when there is much more to it than that.

Each of us are responsible for incitement of poor crowd behaviors. It can happen as easily with sporting events as it does with political assemblies or thorny religious gatherings. Once the process is pseudo endorsed by small numbers of people acting out, it feels like permission has been given, and the blame game begins. It represents the modus operandi of many organizations and family structures.

What if congregations decided one day to refuse to engage in slash and burn religion where there is usually one winner take all? What if they held their doors wide open to the world and dared it to come inside? Or better yet, ventured forth beyond the safety of walls so casually erected? What would we learn beyond the everyday routines? Would we have patience that faith demands or would we fold when things got tough? Would the crowds we are part of gather peaceably in the midst of strife and uncertainty, or would they be unruly and out of control? It is a choice. Our choice.

If “contrast is the mother of clarity,” as English author Os Guinness offers, then we should embrace the opportunity to immerse ourselves in different crowds, though ever cognizant of their effect on our understandings. When it all gets to be too much, as with Jesus and countless numbers of clergy, it is time to seek safety and solitude from harmful elements, including the crowds that surround.

It is these moments that enable ministry in all its forms to provide energy for the work at hand. For some that means stepping aside for a time. For others, it means rediscovering the energy essential to sustain one’s self in a world of me-first-ness. Listen to the crowd around you, recognizing the many voices that contribute to its message, and do not be offended if Jesus turns away for a while to gather himself and his wits.

Jesus was ahead of the curve regarding self-care, even if it was not branded as such during the first century. Crowd or no crowd, there comes a time when all of us need to acknowledge the rest of the herd and decide what our contribution to it will be.