How can we prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus as the crowd did? The moment Jesus approached “The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.” (John 12:12) They responded with anticipation, rushed out, waved palm branches, and proclaimed Him King. Their actions show a heart posture every believer can practice today. Hear with eager expectation • The crowd “heard that Jesus was coming.” Faith ignited at the very sound of His approach. • “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) • Practical steps: – Give Scripture the first and loudest voice each day. – Listen to Christ-centered teaching and worship that keep His arrival on the horizon. – Guard against voices that dampen expectancy. Draw near in obedient action • Hearing led to movement: they “went out to meet Him.” (John 12:13) • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) • Obedience turns anticipation into encounter. Simple acts—serving a neighbor, forgiving, stepping into a calling—become pathways to welcoming Christ’s presence. Celebrate Him openly • Their cry: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:13) • “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) • Heart preparation gains strength when praise becomes public: – Speak of His goodness in everyday conversations. – Sing truth aloud—alone or with others. – Let worship re-shape attitudes before circumstances shift. Surrender personal treasures • Palm branches and garments paved His path—tangible tokens of honor. • “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices.” (Romans 12:1) • Laying down time, talents, and resources unclutters the heart, creating space for the King. Align expectations with His Word • Many in Jerusalem expected political deliverance; Jesus came to conquer sin. • “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8) • Continual Scripture intake corrects skewed hopes, ensuring readiness for the Savior He truly is, not the rescuer culture imagines. Daily habits that keep the welcome mat out • Quick repentance whenever the Spirit convicts (Hebrews 3:15). • Ongoing fellowship with believers who stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Regular remembrance of His promise: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” (Revelation 3:20). • Acts of mercy that mirror His heart—visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, encouraging the weary. Living ready A heart prepared like that Palm Sunday crowd listens for His footsteps, moves toward Him, proclaims His kingship, lays down every rival claim, and lets Scripture shape every expectation. Such a heart will never miss the joy of welcoming Jesus—today, tomorrow, and when He returns in glory. |
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