Make Way for Jesus!

INTRODUCTION

John 12:12–19 ESV

12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

2 Corinthians 2:12–17 ESV

12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia. 14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

3 Preparations for the King of Glory:

1. Recognize His Authority - vs. Jn. 12:12-19

Authority to Save (Hosanna)

Authority over all (Messianic overtones)

Authority over death (Sign of Lazarus)

2. Understand His Purpose - vs. Jn. 12:12-19, 2 Cor. 2:14-16

People thought Jesus purpose was to defeat Roman and reestablish Israel’s political might.

Jesus’ triumphant entry marked a greater and eternal triumph…

Purpose not to overthrow temporal circumstances but to establish eternal security

3. Align with His Will - vs. 2 Cor. 2:17

Properly make way for Jesus by aligning with His will

Jesus can’t be our defined savior…He must always be the Divine Savior

When we want Jesus to match our will, we will end up being silent at best or crying for His death in our lives at worst.

Make way for Jesus by aligning with His will and “spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.”

Peddler: only makes use of God’s Word when it is for temporal personal benefit.

Opposite and what is called for: genuine, under God’s divine authority, under God’s righteous accountability, aligning with Christ’s purpose.

CONCLUSION

Jesus is the King of Glory. He is the ultimate authority. He holds salvation in His hands and extends it all who would seek His salvation. He wills to give you a life that is in Him that spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.

Do you recognize His authority over your life? Do you understand His purpose to conform you to His will? Do you seek to be aligned with His will and His way? Those who are truly prepared will make way for Jesus. Those who are not will ultimate seek to crucify His influence in their lives. Are you prepared for an encounter with the King of Glory?