How can we emulate the crowd's praise for Jesus in John 12:12 today? Setting the Scene “The next day the great crowd that had come for the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.” (John 12:12) The moment is simple yet electric: thousands realize their Messiah is drawing near and decide, in unison, to honor Him. Their spontaneous, wholehearted response paints a picture of praise worth copying in every generation. What the Crowd Modeled • Expectant hearts — They “heard” and instantly believed Jesus was coming. • Swift action — They didn’t wait for perfect conditions; they moved the same day. • Unified celebration — A “great crowd” responded together, laying aside personal agendas. • Public witness — Their praise was unmistakably visible and audible. • Scriptural alignment — In verse 13 they shout words straight from Psalm 118:25-26, showing their worship flowed from God’s Word. Practical Ways to Echo Their Praise Today 1. Keep ears tuned for His presence • Begin each day in the Gospels, listening for what Jesus is doing now (John 10:27). • Cultivate expectancy that He will meet you in worship services, conversations, and decisions. 2. Respond immediately when you sense His leading • If prompted to worship, stop scrolling and lift a song. • If nudged to serve or give, act before distractions crowd in (James 1:22). 3. Praise together, not just alone • Prioritize weekly gathering with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Join voices in corporate singing—your unity preaches louder than any sermon (Psalm 22:22). 4. Make praise visible and audible in public spaces • Offer thanks before meals at restaurants. • Share testimonies of answered prayer on social media. • Carry a Bible where it can be seen; let conversations about Christ arise naturally (Romans 1:16). 5. Root every expression in Scripture • Weave biblical phrases into your worship, like “Hosanna” (Psalm 118:25-26) or “Worthy is the Lamb” (Revelation 5:12). • Memorize passages that exalt Jesus so they flow out when joy erupts (Colossians 3:16). 6. Sacrifice something valuable • The crowd spread costly palm branches; give your time, finances, or talents in ways that feel extravagant to you (2 Samuel 24:24). Scripture Echoes to Fuel Our Praise • Luke 19:37-40 — Even stones would cry out if people stayed silent. • Psalm 95:1-3 — A loud, joyful shout is fitting for the “great King.” • Hebrews 13:15 — “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” • 1 Peter 2:9 — We are a chosen people “to proclaim the virtues of Him who called” us. Avoiding Hollow Praise • Examine motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Let praise rise from daily obedience, not merely moments of enthusiasm (John 14:15). • Keep repentance close; pure hearts amplify genuine worship (Psalm 24:3-4). Closing Encouragement The crowd in John 12 turned a brief announcement into a tidal wave of honor for Christ. We can match their fervor every time we hear He is near—which, according to His promise, is every day (Matthew 28:20). Hear, believe, act, and let the world witness a modern echo of that first Palm Sunday. |
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