Real Hope: Jesus the UnexpectedSample

Expect The Unexpected

Nathanael’s response resonates with most who encounter the person of Jesus. Eugene Peterson (The Message) rephrased it colourfully with the words, ‘You’ve got to be kidding!’ I like that! It reflects well the experience of trying to understand the person of Jesus, the God-man, and our human efforts to comprehend the miracle of God’s love. If I try to make sense of that which transcends our natural world I think the same: ‘You’ve got to be kidding!’

Jesus had been prophesied about over 300 times. There was a sense of expectation as the Israelite people awaited their Messiah. Yet, His arrival, life, ministry, decision-making, teaching style, those He associated with, the way in which He used power, His method of revealing the kingdom of God, and ultimately His death and resurrection were totally unexpected by those who encountered His life. When you read the Gospels you see a full array of deep and raw astonishment at the person of Jesus.

We must be mindful of what we expect of Jesus in our own lives lest we reduce Him to the level of our understanding. Hebrews 13:8 declares that Jesus cannot change. His unexpected ways remain. And one thing we can expect to find in Jesus at every moment of our lives when we turn to Him is love. Always and forever we can be sure of this, because of the cross. It’s God’s emphatic affirmation to every human being that, despite everything, you can be certain He loves you (1 John 4:10).

Let me encourage you to find a moment and contemplate anew the staggering truth that you are the object of God’s affection. What does that mean to you?

Written by SAM FAGAN

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