The Gospel of Luke: Are You the One? | Jesus | John | unbelief | expectations - Video

Sermon Notes: 3/23/25 Pastor: Corey Deyamport Luke 7: 18-35 . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . In this text, we see a man struggling with his expectations. There are some times that Jesus’s action or inaction does not feel like what He’s promised. But make no mistake, Jesus is the One. He is control. And in this text, John’s expectation of Jesus was challenged when he was left in jail for probably months. Looking back, just a few verses ago, we see read that Jesus raised the dead. Sometimes when we see these stories we often ask if Jesus has the ability to raise the dead, why hasn’t He raised the dead in my life? So when John asks Jesus, “are you the one?” It is not unfounded. Now, John was not shaky in his belief. He was such a staunch supporter of Jesus but even he, when faced with jail time, even he finds himself questioning. So many people are experiencing freedom with Jesus, while John is sitting in jail. John’s doubt wasn’t unbelief. It was struggling with unfulfilled expectations. So when he asked Jesus, “are you Him?” Jesus’s answer was to heal many. He doesn’t just give John’s disciples words to bring back. He gives them examples and Jesus’ examples are actual prophecies said about the messiah. By pointing to these actions - Jesus is saying “yes.” It just doesn’t look like what you wanted. And Jesus gives us a word: “blessed are those that are not offended by me.” John’s expectations of Jesus were different. And Jesus tells him that those who don’t fall away, and those who trust, are blessed. Jesus does not rebuke or belittle him for his questions. Take heart! Even in our expectations and our doubts, Jesus still loves us and plans good for us. And even further, Jesus affirms and uplifts John in public. So we should not discount our role in God’s plan when we have doubts. Don’t forget your privilege in Christ. The power and Glory of the resurrection that lives in you. You serve a God who is big enough for your questions and to answer them gracefully. Yes there will be times when His Will won’t match our expectations. But His ways are higher and better. And He has involved us in His kingdom.