Expectations

We all have expectations, right? That's human, and normal. The question, of course, is whether our expectations are correct.

In this episode of The Chosen, you encounter the same thing. For example, the disciples think Jesus will bring salvation with fighting and free the people of Israel from Roman oppression. And one of the disciples wonders when Jesus will heal him. After all, He will do that for him, right?

Expectations. You and I have them, too. What I find extraordinary is that sometimes my expectations and what Jesus does are so far apart. I think He is going to do this or that, and then it turns out that He has a completely different way of doing things. I expect a solution to a problem, but Jesus doesn't solve the problem and teaches me to trust Him more in the situation, for example. Can you relate?

I think there is a lesson there for us.

Today I want to take you to a section of the Bible where Jesus explicitly asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" It is the story of Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus is blind. He sits on the side of the road and begs for his sustenance.

"What do you want Me to do for you?" In other words, what do you expect from Me? I like that Jesus asks about those expectations, wishes, and desires. And of course, Bartimaeus wants to be able to see. That's his answer. Make your desires known.

Two words I want to unpack here:

1. Bartimaeus says - Rabbi - Lord - Rabbi. It's an acknowledgment of who Jesus is. And if He is the Rabbi, I am not. If He is the Lord, I am not. In other words, the question of Bartimaeus is a question from someone who recognizes Jesus for who He is. Lord, Master, Rabbi.
2. Jesus says, Your faith has saved you. I emphasize faith for a moment. Bartimaeus believed. He believed that Jesus was who He was. He believed that Jesus could heal him. But he wasn't sure yet if it was going to happen. The question for us is: when we give our desire to God, regardless of the outcome, do we dare to believe firmly in the God of miracle.

Take the following questions to think about:

• What do you expect from Jesus? What do you want Him to do in your life?
• Are you ever disappointed in God? What do you do with that?
• What would you like to ask Jesus today?
• Those two little words "Rabbi" and "faith," what place do they have in your life?

Prayer: "Lord, I realize that I often have expectations and ideas of how things are or should be. I also realize that You are so much bigger, and You so much more (over)see things in life than I ever can. You are God! Help me, Rabbi Jesus, to follow You in trusting that You know and that my life is safe with You. Help me, Lord, firmly believe in You. What You do is good. Amen."

P.S. This is the last day of this reading plan. We hope it has helped you as a follower of Jesus and that you have enjoyed it.

The materials in this reading plan come from Alongsiders, a European discipleship movement and Jesus.net.

Of course, there is much more to discover! Do you want to take the next step? Do you have a heart for discipleship, and do you want to know more about how to follow Jesus together with others? Visit our website.