Matt 12-15 Why multitudes followed Jesus

Over and over, Matthew reminds his readers that the multitudes followed Jesus because they saw in him the traits of God. He also shows us the response of the multitudes to King Herod, which was one of fear. They knew how he raged against his enemies and even went so far as to kill them. How different than Jesus, who taught, preached, and healed. He didn’t kill his enemies but loved them because that would be what God would do. “Love your enemies and pray for those who would persecute you.” [Matt 5:44]

So what am I to do when faced with an “enemy” or somebody who doesn’t like my Christianity or me? I am to love them because that is what God would have me do. An example of this was when Jesus asked the religious leaders if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath, but they were silent, so He showed them what the heart of compassion looks like healing the man with the withered hand. Then he turned and asked them; what is the answer to my question? They were silent.

And that is one reason the multitudes followed Jesus and not Herod!