Expectations

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Study Notes

Palm Sunday was a pretty big deal...on the front end. Afterwards, not so much. People had high expectations. They no doubt said things like,

• "That Jesus has a lot of potential, I sure hop He puts it to good use."
• "I think things are about to get better around her."
• "I just feel like something good is about to happen."

In marriage, church and in our life with God, misinformed and misguided expectations are dangerous. Many people leave the faith because they signed up for something God never delivered. What seems to be the problem here?

1. The Great Multitude
   People were in Jerusalem for the Passover but they were gathered at this occasion because they heard that Jesus was coming.  He had recently raised Lazarus from the dead and they had high expectations about what He would do for them.
2. The Great Confusion
   1. The Crowd was confused due to unrealistic expectations.  Their misunderstood messianic hopes were stimulating their enthusiasm.

   2. The Disciples were confused.  John wrote, they “did not understand these things until He was glorified.”  Their confusion is understandable given what Jesus had said in Matthew 20:17-19.
      Jesus’ “ride” should have been a clue regarding His intentions. 

   3. The Pharisees were confused.  It was unthinkable to them that they had failed to discredit Him.  Their hyperbole is noteworthy, “The whole world has gone after Him.”
      They would be glad by the weekend, others would be sad.  Life is often unpredictable.

3. The Great Dilemma
   Disappointment is common among people who attempt to walk with God.  Something is wrong, either He isn’t who He claimed to be or we have some misunderstandings…”or maybe there is
   something wrong with me.”

Conclusion

• What are your expectations?
• Upon what are they founded?
• What is it that you really want?
• Why are you seeking God?

Jesus Christ is Savior from what?

Questions for Small Group, Family and Personal Reflection

1. How have you formed your expectations of God? Are they accurate?
2. Are you too quick with sanctimonious clichés? Why?

Books for Growth

• The Holy Bible
• Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey
• False Assumptions: Relief from 12 Christian Beliefs that Can Drive You Crazy by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
• 10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe by Larry Osborne
• The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis