Daily Devotion: Expectations vs Reality; Seeing Jesus Clearly
Written by Sunny Unachi on 25th March 2024
Scripture: John 12:20–26
‘Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.’ (Vv 24–25)
Yesterday we observed the crowd’s expectations of Jesus as their anticipated saviour. Within a week they were baying for his death. In today’s text some Greeks approach Philip with a simple request, ‘‘Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” What do they want to see? What is it that we want to see in Jesus? The danger with all expectations is disappointment. Each of us will have stories of our disappointments. Apparently unanswered prayers, a failed relationship, an unwelcome health issue. We direct our disappointments at Jesus because He has the power to make things right. And this is what the crowd wanted. A solution for their suffering under occupation, but a solution of their own making. Jesus never promised to overthrow the occupiers – He spoke of voluntary surrender to God’s will.
Obedience is like a seed, with all the potential for fresh growth. But it can only germinate and fulfil its purpose by falling into the soil to die. Its shell cracks and the life within is birthed. It is born again; from seed to seedling. These words are meant for his disciples’ ears. Well meaning as they are, their love for Him is only emotional. They will all abandon Him when trouble escalates on Good Friday. They, like us, will only truly see Jesus once they choose to die to their expectations, and allow God’s will room to grow and flourish through their life. Resurrection, or new life, can only take place through the death of our willfulness.
Today Consider what you want to see in Jesus. What are your expectations of friendship with God?
So our Action today is to consider past and present disappointments. The ways you’ve questioned Jesus about why things have happened to you the way they have. Are you prepared to be a seed and fall into the ground to die so the life of Christ can flourish in and through you?
Prayer: ‘Lord, I am a seed seeking to die to self and live for Christ. Amen’. (Luke 9:23)
