UMM Why is it a surprise? Jesus told us narrow is the way and FEW WILL FIND IT. Remember only 2 entered the promised land,eight got on the ark,four left Sodom,Elijah going against 400 prophets of Baal,does that sound like a lot or does that sound the same as when Jesus said FEW?
And didn't tell us this would happen when he said this
2 Timothy 4
4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
So should it really be a surprise?