The Crowd

I did something yesterday I have wanted to do for a very long time-I finally had an opportunity to go to Drumheller to see the Passion Play (and many thanks again, Denise & Alain, for making it happen). Not only was it a wonderful day spent with amazing friends, but I was struck by many things through the course of the production, and I am sure many of them will appear in the next several posts. The whole production was moving & awe-inspiring, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. In fact we discussed arranging a group to go next year. It was just that good.
What struck me first, as we walked into the natural, open air ampitheatre, was the crowd. No, not that there was one, that I expected. our progress, once we left the parking area and caught up with the other attendees, slowed to almost a shuffle-no striding forward to find out seats. As we rounded the corner of the building housing the gift shop, concession & washrooms the seating area came into view. It was almost a full house, and I looked across the crowd seated on benches tucked into the hill and for the first time had a sense of the crowds that must have once actually followed Jesus, eager to hear and see what He might say or do. The audience was, quite literally, part of the story. It took my breath away. It was hot and dusty and the seating while not uncomfortable, was not luxurious, and still the crowd had gathered.
I'm sure many counted themselves faithful believers; but there must have been others who were merely curious, tourists, those who came to see what there was to see.
We were asked to remain seated through the performance, to be respectfully quiet, to shut off cell phones & cameras, and for 3 hours everyone did. If you have ever gone to a movie, sat in a restaurant, or even in church, you will recognize how amazing this truly was. (Although I will admit I found this to be the case at other live theatre performances as well, but in a much smaller group)
As we left, at the end of the performance the crowds' respect remained. There was no frenzied rush to the parking lot, or even to the washroom. The cast had lined up to take their well deserved bows and remained there, greeting the audience as we passed by. Cast members & spectators alike thanked each other, and many spoke a sincere "God bless you".

Like the crowds following Jesus we were all there seeking something. I think if we really want to we can see Jesus in every moment, and as I took in the gathered crowd for the first time and considered the crowds that must have once pressed in to see Him, hoped to get near enough to touch Him I lost myself in the moment, and let myself go back 2000 years. I was looking forward to the play, but a little part of me really just wanted to see Jesus. And see Him I did, but that's another post.