What if Jesus does the unexpected in your life? Will you be offended and walk away from Jesus? Or will you use this as an opportunity for a new adventure with the Lord?
The Disciples Had Expectations of the Kingdom of Jesus
The two disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus shared their expectations of Jesus and His kingdom. We understand that these men were discouraged and disappointed because God did not do what they wanted Him to do. Luke 24:19b“He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.”[1].
Jesus certainly was a prophet and a teacher, but what did they mean by “rescue Israel?” The Jews anticipated that the Messiah would be a military and political figure that would free them from Roman oppression. They knew much of what we would call the Old Testament by memory. Yet, the suffering servant parts of prophecy didn’t fit in with their vision of the Messiah, so they ignored those scriptures.
They didn’t realize their most significant need was not to be free from Roman rule but from their slavery to sin. Therefore, God couldn’t intervene to save Jesus from the cross. So, when Jesus died, they lost all hope. But Jesus’ death and resurrection would offer the greatest hope possible. It was three days after Jesus’ death, and these two couldn’t see that anything had changed.
What Expectations do We Have of Jesus?
Some preachers promise if you follow Jesus, you will become wealthy and have no problems. This has caused great disillusionment in the church because while this sounds great, it isn’t Biblical. Jesus gave a warning to His disciples. John 16: 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.”[2] Here Jesus tells us that in this earthy life, there will be problems. But, as a follower of Jesus, we can have peace because ultimately, Jesus overcomes.
Paul warns Timothy that life can be challenging as a follower of Jesus. 2 Timothy 3: 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.[3] We may have expectations of what Jesus will do in our lives, but often God surprises us. When this happens, we can choose to be offended or humble ourselves and continue to follow Jesus. Usually, God takes us on some of the biggest spiritual adventures of our lives at these times. We can always trust that God has a plan for us, even if it is unexpected.
What if Jesus does the unexpected? To hear more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/foreshadowing-the-cross-resurrection
[1-3] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.