HERE IS A MOTTO OF A WORLD KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF HEAVEN, OUT OF TIME THEN, BUT TIMELY NOW!

1. In Clifton FBC this was in gaudy tin letters on the Pulpit front facing the congregation.
2. This needs to be facing the preacher- and as you are the only preacher for someone- for YOU!
3. From two events in the life of Jesus we can see the wall separating the gentiles from God being broken, and the entire world being welcomed into the presence of God

I.- A GREEK WOMAN SOUGHT JESUS Matt 15:21-28

 Jesus was retired for a rest, along the coasts of Tyre and Sidon - but He was found by a woman

A.-The Syrophoenician Woman SOUGHT JESUS BECAUSE SHE HAD A PROBLEM THAT ONLY JESUS COULD SOLVE

1. She shouted her requests over the Disciples- they were annoyed- v.23, Jesus said- 24
2. But she would not let one disappointment stop her.- Many today give up too easily- & lose
3. Mark 7:24b tells us that Jesus could not be hid then- and He can't today- Seek Him

B.- WHEN SHE PERSISEED JESUS ANSWERED HER WITH A PROVERB, STRANGE AND COLD WAY Matt 15:26

1. The woman worshipped Him- and cried "Lord Help Me" - aid Jesus tested her with parable
2. This proverb equated Greeks as Dogs- and placed others first- but she would take no offense
3. Jesus' use of the proverb was not a direct NO- He was trying to reach His own people-rejected

C.- BUT HER DETERMINED FAITH LED HER TO CRY TO JESUS UNTIL SHE WAS VICTORIOUS v.-27-28

1. She took His proverb, accepted it, pled from it- little dogs can beg from children-
2. Jesus admired her faith and determination- and granted her request- healed at a distance-
3. This Greek woman carved a window in the stone wall of Judaism, & You can see Jesus too!

This event tells us that a person can find Jesus- and have prayers answered if they wish!

II.- CERTAIN GREEKS SOUGHT JESUS John 12:20-

This is at the close of a long day of teaching in the Temple, Jesus was tired, had been hard

A.- THESE CERTAIN GREEKS CAME TO SOME OF THE APOSTLES BEGGING TO SEE JESUS v. 21b

1. They could not enter the Temple proper where Jesus was teaching- Temple hid Him from view
2. They may have seen Him as He entered Jerusalem- triumphal entry- They had heard of Him
3. These Greeks were proselytes- Came to learn Israel's Worship, now wanted to see God's Son

B.- THEY HAD TO SEND TO JESUS THROUGH HIS DISCIPLES, A CHAIN OF WITNESS TO GET TO JESUS

1. Why Philip was asked, ?  His name Greek- maybe he walked through court of Gentiles.-
2. He went to Andrew- and the two of them went to Jesus - determination of Greeks paid off
3. We need people today who will speak to Jesus for people, and to people for Jesus.-

C.- IT IS NOT RECORDED THAT JESUS RECEIVED THEM, BUT HIS ANSWER OPENED THE WAY FOR ALL -v.23

1. Jesus launched into a prophetic discourse and told of when all men would be drawn - v.32
2. His answer was that soon all men could come- And Paul enlarged- Gal 3:28- none denied
3. The Gentiles came to seek David's kingdom (Jewish) But found Abraham's seed for all nations

We need to seek Jesus- even if he might be hidden by temple pillars- & don't give up

III. THE DOOR IS NOW OPEN TO ALL John 12:23--

Whether Jesus spoke to the Greeks or not is not clear,- but the whole world can hear this

A.- "THE HOUR IS COME" V. 23 "THAT THE SON OF MAN SHOULD BE GLORIFIED"

1. Here is prophetic certitude- a change in God's dispensations, a new day approaching
2. The illustration of a Corn of Wheat- alone until it dies- then it produces abundantly-
3. Jesus prophesied- v.32 -He would draw all men unto Him!  And so He has - Door now open

B.- JESUS GAVE A MESSAGE OF DISCIPLESHIP TO HIS APOSTLES - v.25-26 NEEDED TODAY

1. Jesus was preparing to die for sins of the world- And so a disciple, would die to many things considered normal in life.
2. But if you love Him- you will be willing to follow him into real light -not world's gaudiness
3. The word is plain- Serve Him first- & if you do- "him will my Father honor".- Praise God

C.- JESUS OPENLY DECLARED HIS DETERMED PURPOSE, AND GOD SPOKE FROM HEAVEN AS A TOKEN v.27-28

1. Jesus was troubled at the foresight of the cross- but was determined that God be glorified
2. There came a mysterious voice from heaven- in the temple v. 28b God spoke! Can you hear Him?
3. This sign signaled the end of Satan's Powers- v.31 - Prophetic Certitude again- for you?

Had the Gentiles not sought the Lord- this wonderful passage would have been left out

DO YOU SEEK THE LORD WITH ENOUGH DETERMINATION TO FIND HIM IN TODAY'S CROWDED WAY?

1. Don't wait for Jesus to chase you - seek Him- be determined until you find His Glory
2. Don't wait for the church to seek you out and push you into service- take training now
3. Seek the Lord for every part of your life- and see what God will do!