The Harvest Crowd - John 12:12-19

The Harvest CROWD - John 12:12-19 NIV

MAPS/CrossRoads partnership Impact

Reaching Higher to Reach More!

Easter Services - 7a & 10a

INTRO: Focus on the Harvest - last week the HARVEST OF ONE. Today the HARVEST CROWD.

Today is Palm Sunday, the day Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Capital City). The Feast or festival of the Passover was a huge event where pilgrims from countries far and near would travel, often arriving days before the actual day (lodging; rest; see family and friends - like a family reunion).

Jesus arrived early and went to see his friends, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. A big meal was prepared in His honor and crowds gathered at Lazarus’ home because of the miracle Jesus had performed of raising Lazarus from the dead.

Because of this the chief priests made plans to kill Jesus…and Lazarus. Your presence bears witness to the power of Christ.

This Triumphal Entry is in all 4 gospels, each adding something significant to this marvelous day of praise. Mt 21:49; Ml 11:7-10; Luke 19:35-38. I chose John because of the theological insight he provides in his writings.

The HARVEST CROWD!

CROWDS HEAR WHAT’S GOING ON - 12

Crowds are large groups of people, usually gathering for a some sort of event. fight in school; building on fire;

This CROWD Gathered because they HEARD Jesus was coming - LIKE When stars come to town the buzz begins; Beyonce; Taylor Swift; Gladys Knight.

CROWDS around you have heard about Jesus. Miracles; blessings; change of life.

In order to receive a HARVEST in the CROWD we must always guide conversations to the Cross because you never know Who is listening to YOU.

CROWDS HOPE FOR CHANGE -13

This CROWD heard BUT they also hoped the changes they desired were about to take place.

John 12:13 “took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed in He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!”

HOSANNA = save now; help I pray; a shout of adoration and praise;

Psalm 118:25 “Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success.”

Psalm 118:26 “Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.”

They HOPED that Jesus was the Messiah that Moses spoke of in Deuteronomy 18:15 ““The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.”

We must listen to cries of those around us. They’re crying out for CHANGE. Financial (Inflation; better salary; employment); Social (gun laws; education-banning history;)

We have an opportunity to lead people to Christ.

CROWDS SPREAD THE WORD - 16-17

When Jesus healed He told people NOT to tell it, but they did.

They told it because their FAITH had been confirmed.

Faith is more than just SAYING “I believe.” Faith is KNOWING what you believe.

The Crowd BELIEVED Jesus was coming to save the nation from disgrace; coming to give prosperity to the people...

BUT Jesus had another plan...

A Plan of Redemption -

Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Tit 2:14 “14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”

A Plan of PEACE - riding on a colt

John 16:33 “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Rom 5:1 “1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

SPREADING THE WORD is really YOUR Testimony - Has He been Good? Has He Saved You? Kept you? ...

He IS the King but His Kingdom is not of this world

CLOSE: We have an opportunity to HARVEST a Great Crowd for the Kingdom of God.

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Because the CROWD HEARS WHATS GOING ON...

THE CROWD HOPES FOR CHANGE...

AND, THE CROWD SPREAD THE WORD THAT JESUS IS NEAR.