“Seeing the miracle that Jesus had performed, the people there said, “Surely this is the Prophet who was to come into the world!” Jesus knew that they were about to come and seize him in order to make him King by force; so he went off again to the hills by himself.” John Chapter 6:verses 14 to 15b
(Today’s English Version).

There is a well-known saying that applies to all superstars, “No one is bigger than the game.” This applied to John MacEnroe when he began to behave badly on the tennis court. It has applied to Rugby League, Rugby Union and AFL stars who have had to be disciplined for their behaviour on and off the field. When it comes to golf, it is rare that ones attitude and behaviour need to be addressed. John Daley is probably the only one I have seen behave in such a way to discredit himself and the game. After having a bad day at the Australian PGA Championships at Coolum a few years ago, John Daley did something we could all understand, he tossed his putter in the water at the 18th. But he then walked straight back up the 18th fairway to his room on the course, without going to the scoring tent or handing his card in. The putter is now displayed in the clubhouse at Collum for all to see.

There are many examples in life of people who bring an organization into disrepute. We twist or use something valuable for our own ends or for publicity or personal gain.

There have unfortunately been religious groups particularly in America who have led people into believing they are someone great and then committing suicide. There have also been church ministers who have used their trust to abuse people.
Many people have used the name of Christ for their own gain, but this is something very different to Jesus endorsing their behaviour. In fact Jesus warned us that many would come in his name, seeking to be him, but to not to listen to them.

After Jesus fed a multitude miraculously in John Chapter 6 verses 1 to 13, some of the crowd could see the benefit of having Jesus as their King, so they made an attempt to force him to be their King.
Jesus could see this coming so he withdrew from them to the hills to be by himself

This says a lot about the character of Jesus. He could have had an army, but this is not why he came. He could have organised a threat to Rome and their power, but this is not why he came. He could have had 1000’s of devoted followers following their agenda, but he didn’t need this.
In Jesus’ case the crowds could see Jesus’ ability to perform miracles, a power the world could not compete against. What I love about Jesus is how he used his power to help, heal, feed and save.
The people wanted to make Jesus their King, but he was already a King, God’s King.

Don’t be fooled by those who use religion or the name of Jesus for their own ends. We can all be guilty of this, especially people like myself who are ministers. A way of knowing whether people are genuine is to know the New Testament life of Jesus and discovering the things that Jesus values. Another is to value serving others, loving others as we love ourselves and putting God before ourselves, never confusing ourselves with God.