”But Jesus shouted out, “The one who believes in Me does not believe in Me, but in the One who sent Me, and the one who sees me sees the One who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me should not remain in darkness.” –John 12:44-46
Jesus made His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy by entering the city on a donkey’s colt. Many praised Him as He entered, and this marked the beginning of the week of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection.
Jesus was at the height of His popularity, yet His message remained resolute.
Jesus is the Son of God. The only way to receive forgiveness for our sins, to be reconciled to our Almighty God for eternity, is through Him.
“Hosanna!” they shouted as Jesus entered. But in a few short days, the same crowds would be roaring, “Crucify Him!” What a stark contrast.
The crowd had witnessed Jesus’ power and His miracles, but they had selfish expectations of Him. Some expected Jesus to forsake His mission and purpose to rise to political power, while others expected Him to rise and reign as the religious leader of the Jews.
Although many heard Jesus’ persistent message proclaiming His identity, purpose, and invitation for salvation, they ignored it. God’s plan for Jesus to suffer and die did not fit in with their plan for an earthly Messiah.
They expected Jesus to follow their agenda and not God’s plans. Disappointment and unbelief often arise when our expectations are not met.
What are your expectations of Jesus?
A life without struggles or hardship?
Service without sacrifice?
Success with your personal goals and plans?
A personal servant?
Your Savior and King?
“Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and take up residence with him. The person who does not love me does not obey my words. And the word you hear is not mine, but the Father’s who sent me.” –John 14:23–24
It is very important that we worship the God of the Bible. To know God, we have to know and obey His Word in its fullness and context.
“How blessed are those who observe His rules, and seek Him with all their heart.” –Psalm 119:2
If we do not strive to know the holy, almighty God of the Bible, we will create and worship a god that we have formed in our image. Our god will like everyone we like, hate everyone we hate, overlook our sin, and will have the same political, cultural, and social views that we have. That is a false god who bows to our will and agenda. We must take great care not to deceive ourselves.
“Indeed, my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds,” says the Lord.” –Isaiah 55:8
In Jesus’ final public speech He shouted out to anyone who could hear Him. Jesus made a final proclamation and His final public invitation to salvation. Many allowed their expectations to blind them to the presence of the Messiah. They forfeited the God of the universe for their small finite plans!
“The Lord is my light and my salvation. I fear no one.
The Lord protects my life. I am afraid of no one.” –Psalm 27:1
Jesus is the Son of God. He is One with God. He is God Himself. He has come down from heaven to save humankind as the Light of the World. He is the only One able to rescue us from the darkness of sin.
“When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul, I will make myself available to you,’ says the Lord.” –Jeremiah 29:13–14
God invites us to humbly surrender our expectations and agenda to seek Him instead. His plans are far greater than we can imagine.
Salvation is God’s plan to redeem His people and to have an intimate relationship with them. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is God’s divine work. God’s plan of salvation will never fail because He cannot fail. God is faithful to do everything that He has said He will do! Jesus came to save!
In what circumstance are you tempted to place your expectations above God’s will and plan?
Peace and grace to you,
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