In what ways can we emulate the people's eagerness to hear Jesus? Gathering around Jesus: A snapshot from Luke 21:38 “And early in the morning all the people would come to Him in the temple to hear Him.” Ways to mirror their eagerness today • Start the day with Him – Set aside the first moments after waking for Scripture and prayer (Psalm 5:3; Mark 1:35). – Treat that appointment as non-negotiable, just as the crowds rose early to reach the temple. • Choose location and rhythm wisely – Find a consistent “temple court” — a quiet chair, a kitchen table, a parked car before work. – Return there daily; routine fosters anticipation (Psalm 119:147–148). • Approach with expectancy – Believe He will speak through His Word (Hebrews 4:12). – Come hungry: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). • Clear distractions in advance – Silence devices, close extra tabs, set aside chores. – Like the crowds who left homes and markets, physically step away from competing voices. • Gather with others around His teaching – Join a faithful church or small group devoted to “the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). – Corporate eagerness strengthens personal zeal (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Receive the Word with humility – “Receive with meekness the implanted word” (James 1:21). – Surrender pre-set agendas; let Scripture shape opinions, plans, and affections. • Respond in obedience – The crowds heard in order to obey; we emulate them by living what we learn (Luke 11:28; John 13:17). – Note decisions or changes prompted by each reading and act on them promptly. Encouragement from companion passages • Proverbs 8:17 — “I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me early will find Me.” • 1 Peter 2:2 — “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” • Psalm 119:97 — “Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.” Putting it all together Prioritize His Word, carve out deliberate space, come hungry, shut out distractions, listen with humility, gather with believers, and obey promptly. In doing so we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those first-century worshipers who “early in the morning… came to Him in the temple to hear Him,” and we discover the same life-giving voice speaking with undiminished power today. |
    |