To what do you aspire in this life? Men have different ideas and aspirations of that which is success. Without God's almighty grace the mind of depraved man is twisted in ambition for these few years on earth. Isaiah asked the question, "Why do ye spend your labour for that which satisfieth not?" (Isa. 55:2). Why indeed!
I believe if I were given the choice of being anything I wanted to be, by His grace, I would say, "Lord, let me be a common man." Why would anyone choose this title of common? Because of gladness! I heard Him gladly, and since that day His righteousness has been "Let the righteous be glad." mine and the Psalmist said, (Psa. 68:3).
This gladness has brought a great quiet to any "big shot" mentality we are all prone to have. "He maketh the storm a calm. Then are they glad because they be quiet." (Psa.107:29-30). Ah blessed quietness! The Christian is a seeker of the Lord all his days. "Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee."
To be glad in the Lord is my hope. "The hope of the righteous shall be gladness." (Prov. 10:28). The grace of God is the bearer of gladness. "When he had seen the grace of God, he was glad " (Acts 11:23).
Yes "the common people heard him gladly. Immediately after this He told them, "Beware of the scribes who love the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts." (Mark 12:38-39). They certainly were not "common people" and therefore did not need His mercy. If I need anything in this world, it is His mercy in the blood of the Redeemer.