Do You Take Jesus For Granted?

INTRODUCTION

Today’s message is entitled, “Don’t take Jesus for granted.” What does it mean to take something for granted?

If you take something for granted, you don't think about it because you assume you will always have it. If you take someone for granted, you don't show your appreciation to them.

take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof "I assume his train was late"

If you take something for granted, you don't think about it because you assume you will always have it. If you take someone for granted, you don't show your appreciation to them.

www.finedictionary.com

“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” — G.K. Chesterson

A husband or wife can easily slip into taking the other for granted — simply expecting them to always do certain things (dinner, lawn work, bills, diaper changing, etc.). When one of them feels taken for granted, they can become discouraged...it feels like they are no longer loved or appreciated.

Illustration: You might have heard on the news that a self-driving Uber struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona the other day. There was a driver in the car — a monitor, just in case something goes wrong. I don’t know what he was doing when the accident occured — but he was looking down. Apparently the monitor/drivers do some sort of information gathering on a a computer. It’s safe to say that he assumed the car could handle itself — he took that fact for granted. He was used to the car doing what it was supposed to do. You shouldn’t take things for granted

We can become so used to things and people that we no longer really notice them…and when we do notice it might be too late to do anything about it.

Whenn it comes to pivotal, momentous, world-changing days, such as Christmas, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Resurrection Day, etc., we can easily take their meaning for granted. They become so familiar to us that we end up just going through the motions without allowing the truths to transform us.

John 12:12–19 NIV

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

Do you take Jesus for granted?

Big Idea

Jesus' love, grace, and mercy fade from view when you take Him for granted

Jesus' love, grace, and mercy fade from view when you take Him for granted

There is an illness, a plague really, that we need to face head-on today. it’s not a new disease - it’s as common as the common cold. But there is a cure. I call it

John 12:12–19 NIV

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

#takingJesusforgranteditis

Today is Palm Sunday — the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, just a few days before hung on the Cross. Do we really the importance of this day?

BACKGROUND

Narrative summary of the few weeks leading up to this moment

John 12:12–19 NIV

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

Over the last few weeks we have followed John’s account of Jesus’ life - of His Words and actions that breathed life into the people then and still breathes life into people today. In fact we jumped ahead of the story and looked at the events of Jesus’ last supper with the Disciples () - He washed their feet, served a passover meal, and spoke words that both frightened and comforted them. He promised the Holy Spirit would come to teach and empower them for the ministry had was calling them to — Today we want to revisit the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Let’s read.

John 12:12–19 NIV

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

John 12:12

BIG IDEA

PRAYER

This event reminds us of Jesus’ love, grace and mercy — it is vital that we do not allow it to fade from view or take it for granted.

Let’s ask the Lord to enable us to see Palm Sunday with freshly enlightened eyes. This event reminds us of Jesus’ love, grace and mercy — it is vital that we do not allow it to fade from view — that we not take it for granted.

Let’s ask the Lord to enable us to see the actions of Jesus on Palm Sunday with freshly enlightened eyes.

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Jesus Revealed His Plan

Jesus Revealed His Plan

The events of Palm Sunday were out of character for Jesus

Jesus purposefully became the center of attention — there had to be a good reason.

Before this — Jesus avoided the spotlight as a rule

When His mother asked Him to help with the wine shortage at the wedding in Cana… “Woman, my time has not yet come!” He didn’t want to draw attention to Himself

In , Jesus perceived that the people wanted to take him and make him King…by force if necessary.

He could have taken it all in…but He left town

Several times when Jesus healed a person He told them not to tell anyone

Several times when Jesus healed a person He told them not to tell anyone

Up until this day…the Sunday before His crucifixion. Jesus did not seek out the spotlight.

What was Jesus up to?

The events of Palm Sunday were organized by Jesus Himself

The Synoptic Gospels record that Jesus arranged to use the colt of a donkey - this would fulfil OT prophecy concerning Him.

He instructed the disciples to go into the village - that they would find a colt tied there which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks what you are doing with it, say “The Lord needs it.”

The outpouring on the road to Jerusalem was not spontaneous - it felt that way to the crowd — but Jesus intended for it to take place

The outpouring on the road to Jerusalem was not spontaneous - it may have felt that way to the crowd — but Jesus intended for it to take place

It was not that Jesus wanted to have a party thrown in celebration of Him. In fact, in , the record shows that when Jesus looked upon Jerusalem, He wept.

It was not because He wanted to have a party thrown in celebration of Him. In fact, in , the record shows that when Jesus looked upon Jerusalem, He wept.

Why were the events of this day so important to Jesus that He made arrangements for it to happen? He obviously had a reason…a purpose. God doesn’t do things randomly.

The events of Palm Sunday were purposeful

“What was the purpose of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem?”

“What was the purpose of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem?”

It was time

“the hour has come” ()

This massive celebration forced the hands of the religious leaders. They had to do something before it was too late.

Jesus knew His arrest and suffering would take place during Passover because it was the Father’s plan

Why is Passover so important in this story?

It was an annual celebration remembering when God set the Jewish people free

On Passover night the Lord struck down every first born child of the Egyptians - this devastating plague finally brought about the release of the Jewish slaves

God instructed His people to slaughter a lamb, and apply some of its blood to the doorposts of their homes - this blood would be a sign to the angel of death to passover those homes - sparing first born sons.

The blood on the doorposts would inform the angel of death to passover those homes - sparing the first born sons.

Jesus became the true Lamb of God. His death saves us from a slavery much worse than any other…the slavery of sin, despair, addiction, loneliness, and death.

It is not a stretch to imaging that, at the very moment lambs were being slaughtered for Passover, Jesus was suffering and dying on the Cross

“What was the purpose of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem?”

…it was time and

Jesus clearly showed that His actions were voluntary

He didn’t have to come into Jerusalem with such high exposure

He could have chosen to lay low, like He had many other times

There were even times before this that people wanted to kill Him and He simply slipped away…it wasn’t time yet. But now was time

Nobody could take Him or kill Him unless He allowed it to happen

Why would He do such a thing? Because of His magnificent and unrelenting love . He was not a helpless Lamb led to slaughter — He was a willing Lamb facing the slaughter so all who believe on Him might have hope.

Why would He do such a thing? Because of His magnificent and unrelenting love . He was not a helpless Lamb led to slaughter — He was a willing Lamb facing the slaughter so that all who believe on Him might have hope.

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Jesus’ Love Motivated Him

Since Jesus was motivated by love to die for you...

Since Jesus was motivated by love to die for you...

Give your failures to Him

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Are you so ashamed and discouraged that you cannot imagine God wanting anything to do with you? — give it to Him…His love is bigger

Let’s not take for granted that day when Jesus rode the colt into Jerusalem

He knew what He was doing

He is not surprised by our sins and failures. In fact, our sins are the very reason He rode into town that day.

Give your failures to Him

Matthew 11:28–30 The Message

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew

Why would you avoid the very person who loves you more than anyone could ever love you?

Come out from your hiding place and believe in the one whose love for you motivated Him to face suffering and death

Since Jesus was motivated by love to die for you...

Give your difficulties to Him

Sometimes you become so overwhelmed that you might wonder if God has forgotten you

Sometimes you might wonder if God has forgotten you

If you question whether or not Jesus loves you - take a fresh look at Him riding that colt into Jerusalem…knowing what was coming…yet voluntarily taking it all upon Himself…for you

That is love, my friends — no other word can describe it

Think about Jesus, carrying that rugged cross up to the “Place of the Skull” so that He could be nailed to it and die for you. - that’s love

Yes…life is difficult at times — but His love is perfect and pure -- rest assured that even during those times of intense suffering, He is with you

Yes…life is difficult at times — but remember present difficulties are profitable — leading you into something good

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Since Jesus was motivated by love to die for you...

Since Jesus was motivated by love to die for you...

Give your loneliness to Him

Bruce Goettsche: Look at the parade and see with new eyes! Understand that when Jesus marched into Jerusalem you were on His mind... You may feel alone, deserted, unimportant…but you were significant enough to the Savior for Him to go to the Cross on your behalf. He...loves you.

Bruce Goettsche: Look at the parade and see with new eyes! Understand that when Jesus marched into Jerusalem you were on His mind... You may feel alone, deserted, unimportant…but you were significant enough to the Savior for Him to go to the Cross on your behalf. He...loves you.

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How We Should Respond to Jesus’ Love

Whatever you do…don’t take Jesus’ love for granted

Remember everything Jesus did — be reminded of the great hope we have in Him because His actions are motivated by His love for us

When we remember everything that Jesus did — We are reminded of the great hope we have in Him because His actions are motivated by His love for us

So what? What does it mean for us on a daily basis?

Don’t just talk about Jesus’ love…ACCEPT IT

When we think about everything that God did in order for us to experience His love — we should be convinced and we should be overwhelmed

God has a plan

God has a plan

Ray Steadman: “In the book of Daniel Chapter 9 we read a prophecy about 70 weeks. It is generally understood that the prophecy talks about a special 490 years of Jewish history which would begin to run its course when the command was given to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem following the Babylonian captivity. When 483 of those years had elapsed, Daniel predicted, Messiah, the prince, would then be presented to His people. Sir Robert Anderson traced the fulfillment of this prophecy, pointing out that on the very day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem 483 years had elapsed from the time of the issuing of the commandment to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

You might be saying, “Interesting…what does this have to do with me?”

God’s plan is not yet completed…He knows what He is doing.

His plan did not end with the coming of Christ

The world we live in seems out of control — but we must remember that God is not shocked or surprised by the way the world is today

He told us troublesome days would come

2 Timothy 3:1 NIV

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.

1 Timothy

We need to remember that, when things seem out of control, God does have a plan and it is a good plan

We need to remember that, when things seem out of control, God does have a plan and it is a good plan

The Disciples didn’t understand everything Jesus said and did, until after He was glorified — then they understood

You won’t understand some things in your life but our promise is that God knows what He is doing…you can choose to trust Him or not.

CHALLENGE

John 12:13 NIV

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”

John 12:12–13 NIV

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”

The New International Version Chapter 12

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” u

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

So many people flocked after Jesus that day — His enemies were dumbfounded

So many people flocked after Jesus that day — His enemies were dumbfounded

…Look how the whole world has gone after him

Jesus’ triumphal entry stirred people up…one way or another. No one in that crowd took that day for granted.

Allow the Lord to bring the importance of that day to a place of fresh wonder and awe

Jesus knew what He was doing…He was starting down the final path that led to the Cross…and He did it on purpose, because of His great love for you and m

Jesus' love, grace, and mercy fade from view when you take Him for granted

Don’t take Jesus for Granted

Have you taken the things of God for granted? His love, grace, and mercy

Here’s what we need to remember: His love hasn’t changed — the impact of Jesus’ suffering, bloodshed, death, burial, and resurrection is just as earth-shattering as it always was.

Be reminded today: God is still in charge — His love hasn’t changed — the impact of Jesus’ suffering, bloodshed, death, burial, and resurrection is just as earth-shattering as it always was.

He loves you — He faced the angry mobs for you

He endured false accusations and brutal torture for you —

Jesus went to the Cross for you — to free you from addiction, sin, and uncertainty about what happens after you die

Maybe you admire and appreciate Him

Are you willing to surrender to Him?

Are you willing to follow Him --- not just on Sundays but 24/7 - for life?

Are you willing to put yourself in His hands, even in the face of challenges and crisis?

Take a fresh look at Jesus — Don’t take Him for granted —