Jesus turns to the crowd and asks them a pointed question:
“What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes?” (Luke 7:24-25).
The people had gone to see John the Baptist. But what were they expecting? A leader who would bend to public opinion like a reed in the wind? A prophet dressed in luxury and power? Someone who fit their vision of what a messenger of God should be?
Jesus’ words challenge them—and us—to examine our expectations.
It’s human nature to look for God in ways that make sense to us. We hope for a sign that affirms what we already believe. We look for a Savior who fits our idea of strength, a faith that offers certainty, a God who acts on our terms. But time and again, Jesus defies expectations.
John prepared the way for the Messiah, but even he, sitting in prison, wondered: Was this really it? The kingdom Jesus proclaimed didn’t look like a military victory or a political revolution. Instead, it was blind eyes opened, the poor receiving good news, the unclean restored, the forgotten brought close. It was mercy over judgment, humility over power, love over control.
And still, Jesus asks us: What did you come to see?
Did we come expecting faith to be simple? Did we come hoping God would confirm our assumptions? Did we come looking for a kingdom that looks like the world’s power and success? Or are we ready to be surprised, challenged, and changed by the Christ who meets us in ways we do not expect?
This week, take some time to reflect:
🔹 What are you searching for in your faith right now?
🔹 Have you ever missed God’s presence because it didn’t look like you expected?
🔹 Where might Jesus be showing up in your life in an unexpected way?
May we have the courage to let go of our assumptions, the humility to receive God’s kingdom as it truly is, and the faith to follow where Christ leads—wherever and however he appears.
