When the astonishing announcement came that legendary Sir Elton John was to perform a concert in Bathurst next year, the excitement was nothing less than colossal.
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The response and discussion all over town ranged from disbelief, shock, to shear exhilaration. Subsequently, when tickets went on sale, 7000 were sold within minutes.
The Western Advocate has since reported that the event organisers expect there will be a sell-out 15,000 people in attendance.
It reminds me of the large crowds that Jesus of Nazareth attracted as he moved around the regions in Israel and beyond. The biblical records describe these crowds as "large", "great" and "vast multitudes".
Apparently, huge numbers of people would follow Jesus along the road as he travelled. In some cases, thousands would turn up when Jesus arrived in a town.
For example, Matthew 6 records an occasion when over 5000 people gathered to see him. Word of mouth must have been strong.
It's fair to say Jesus was a popular figure at the time. There seemed to be a curiosity and fascination with him.
People wanted to get close. Listen to him. Talk with him. Touch him to receive healing. The scenes must have been astonishing.
All this highlights the unique appeal of Jesus that continues to this day. But it is what happened after the crowds died down that makes Jesus truly appealing.
He selflessly gave his life on a wooden cross for you and I so we could receive forgiveness and have peace with God. Then a couple of days later the extraordinary happened, Jesus rose from the dead and powerfully showed the world he is the Son of God who has defeated death and offers new life to all who believe and trust in him.
This makes him a compelling figure and someone worth investigating. I invite you to visit one of the many local Christian churches in Bathurst to hear about Jesus.
