Expectations Blind Us

On many occasions, I find myself asking the question, “How was it that so many of the Jewish people did not understand who Jesus truly was?” When one compares the Old Testament prophecies to the life of Jesus, the fulfillment of those prophecies jumps off the page. So, how did they miss it? In one simple word, expectations. Over the years, numerous expectations developed, so when Jesus appeared and did not meet those expectations, many could not see how he was their long-awaited Messiah. What expectations do we place on God that blinds us from being able to recognize him in our lives?

Gospel - Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

As they were coming down from the mountain,

the disciples asked Jesus,

"Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;

but I tell you that Elijah has already come,

and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.

So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands."

Then the disciples understood

that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Scriptural Analysis

The Transfiguration has taken place, and Jesus is coming down the mountain. This resembles Moses, who was at the transfiguration, coming down the mountain, “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tables of the testimony in his hand.” (Exodus 34:29) The disciples ask Jesus why the scribes say Elijah must come first to prepare the way for the Lord. This is found in the scriptures, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.” (Malachi 4:5). The Jewish people expected that Elijah would return as a great reformer who would walk through the world destroying evil and making things right for the Messiah. Both Elijah and the Messiah were thought of in terms of power.

Having just seen Elijah at the Transfiguration, the disciples wonder if that prophecy had been fulfilled. Jesus confirms the prophecy that Elijah will come to call all people to repentance. However, note his use of the phrase, “but I tell you.” That signifies a contrast. Jesus states that the scribes and man were right to look for his return, but they missed it. Elijah has already come. It was the ministry of John the Baptist that fulfilled this prophecy. However, John’s ministry was a ministry of service and suffering. So also will the ministry of the Messiah, Jesus’s ministry be. This is why Jesus commands his disciples not to tell anyone about the Transfiguration. They needed first to understand what the mission of the Messiah was all about.

Daily Application

Expectations are one of the most dangerous things in spiritual life. For example, we know that God answers all prayers, but he does so according to his design: in the time and manner that he knows is best for us. However, if we place expectations on how our prayer is to be answered and that does not align with the will of God, we can become discouraged or begin to believe that God does not answer prayer. This may lead us to stop praying altogether.

Likewise, expectations can blind us to how God works in our daily lives. If we think that our day will go a certain way and it does not, those unfulfilled expectations can cause us to be blind to how God’s providence was at work in our day. This is why the Nightly Examen is one of the most critical tools in the spiritual life. We must pause each day and take the time to invite the Lord to show us where he was at work in our day. I guarantee you he was at work in your day and if you allow him the chance, he will gladly show you just how.

If you are new to the Nightly Examen, here is a straightforward formula for how to go about it.

1. Become aware of God’s presence.

2. Review the day with gratitude.

3. Pay attention to your emotions.

4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.

5. Look toward tomorrow.

This prayer should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. It is also a good practice to get in the habit of writing down the insights you gain through the Nightly Examen. Then, periodically review those notes and prepare to be amazed at just how active God has been in your life. Take this time we have left in Advent to see how Christ comes to you each and every day.