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More Than Miracles

Now He came near the path down the Mount of Olives, and the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen. Luke 19:37

Miracles weren’t Jesus’ primary mission, although John tells us the world itself couldn’t contain all the miracles Jesus performed. And despite being the greatest preacher to ever live, Jesus’ main goal wasn’t to motivate us with His sermons, either.

Jesus came to save. His purpose was resurrection power, which meant His assignment required death.

Holy anticipation filled Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. As Jesus rode through town on a donkey, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, the celebration couldn’t be contained.

They shouted “Hosanna!” (meaning, “Save us!” or “Praise Him!”) with heightened expectations to the King they had waited and prayed for. Jesus was the King nobody expected, and He was about to do the most unexpected thing.

We get the privilege of reading the Easter story in hindsight, but as John recounts in his gospel, “His disciples did not understand these things at first.” (John 12:16)

The crowds didn’t know the One they called blessed would be beaten and buried before their very eyes. The disciples marched alongside Jesus on Palm Sunday praising God for all the miracles they had seen, but despite walking closely with Him for three years, they still weren’t ready for what was next.

Their hopes couldn’t have been higher on that Sunday, which meant their disappointment couldn’t have been deeper on the following Friday. Nobody was prepared for the resurrection that would take place a week later because nobody had planned for the death that came before it.

As you step into Holy Week, don’t skim the surface of the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection, but rather sit in the emotions of those who lived through it. Perhaps you’ll be able to identify with some of the wounded expectations of Jesus’ followers. Our prayer for you as you travel this road during Holy Week is that your eyes will be opened to the reality that God wants to do more in your life than the miracle you have in mind.

Will you welcome resurrection this Easter?

Father, I praise You for all the miracles You’ve done on my behalf — but I thank You that You came to do more than miracles. I ask that my eyes be opened to the new things You’re doing in my life right now. Help me not to miss Your greatest miracles just because they don’t match my expectations. In Jesus’ name, amen.