23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Matthew 4:23-25

When Jesus walked this earth, there was no youtube, twitter, facebook, instagram or any other social media outlet.

Exciting news (good or bad) traveled fast.

People went to see and hear the next big thing, whatever that was. Jesus was performing awesome works that had the religious leaders baffled. The people, however, marveled at the mighty works of God and invited more people to see for themselves this man in action.

Why were the crowds following Him? Was it because they believed or were they just testing the waters to see if He was for real long term? We can’t know for sure without more evidence, but for now they were grateful someone was helping them.

The people we are in contact with test us as well. They want to see authenticity and consistency. They already know we’re not perfect.

They want to know how we respond to their off-color jokes.
They want to know how we speak about our spouse and family.
They want to know how we speak to our spouse and family.
They want to know how we deal with pressure and pain.
They want to know what makes us different.