Believing in the Cause

Matthew 26:31
Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

" 'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

What happens to followers when the leader is gone? Jesus echoed the words of the Old Testament prophet Zechariah in regards to what was to happen to the disciples when the one called to lead them would be taken and literally struck down. In the case of the disciples, it was to both the end and the beginning. The end of their time with Jesus' physical presence with them and the catalyst which would give them new life and appreciation for the ministry that would soon be placed in their hands. It was indeed a turning point. The disciples had to decide if they believed in what Jesus spent his last three years teaching. Thankfully for us, they did and they believed the miracles.

But this occasion is not exclusive to Jesus and the disciples. We hear in the news all the time about situations that happen to leaders. Some pass away others befall other circumstances. But what happens to the followers? Like the situation with the disciples, seeing whatever happens to the leader becomes a turning point. It will divide those that were dedicated to the leader or dedicated to the cause. When one is dedicated to the cause, they are affected by the fall or departing of the leader as it is natural to do especially if their was love and respect but because they believe in the cause, the mission they are on will move forward. But if one is dedicated to the leader only and not the cause, then the fall or departing of the leader paralyzes them and renders them helpless and no longer engaged. But in the case of Jesus, he was already preparing the new leader, which was Peter. And Peter set forth the foundation of the first church. Peter loved the leader but believed in the cause just as much. How many of us believe in the cause we're on or just following the leader?