When was the last time you were forced to admit to yourself that your preconceived expectations about someone or something was incorrect? Whenever we are not well-versed in a particular matter, we easily get it wrong by forming ideas and opinions based on a few small factors.
If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that sometimes our assumptions and preconceived expectations are wrong. Our interpretation of events is incorrect. This causes us to overreact and take things personally, or to judge people unfairly.
Even Jesus’s disciples had preconceived expectations about Him. when Jesus told them in Luke 18-31-34, they were going to Jerusalem, and everything that was written by the prophets about the Som of Man would be fulfilled. be handed over to the Gentiles. They would mock Him, insult Him, spit on Him, flog Him, and kill Him. The disciples did not understand any of this. It’s meaning with hidden from them, and they did not know what He was talking about.
The disciples were under the assumption that Jesus (their Messiah) had arrived to usher in an earthly kingdom of temporal grandeur. They were unwilling to believe that their Messiah would be taken into custody and killed.
Matthew 16:21-23 record an incident that highlights the agitation and confusion Jesus‘s disciples were experiencing. from that time on Jesus, we can to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hand of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day, He would be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Never Lord!” Peter said, “This shall never happen to you.”
Peter refuses surrender to his preconceived expectations. We’ve all done it. We read something in the Bible that challenges our personal view, but we are unwilling to consider it because it might mean that we have to adjust your perspective. Jesus‘s first disciples demonstrated this stubborn mentality. They could not wrap their mind around the upcoming event. Jesus told them we’re going to take place. The message completely contradicted their preconceived expectations, and they failed to comprehend it.
From Pity to Praise 
I truly appreciate the insights shared in your blog post about preconceived expectations. It’s humbling to reflect on the times I’ve misinterpreted situations or individuals based on those assumptions. The example of the disciples not grasping the true nature of Jesus’s mission resonates deeply; it reminds me how often we cling to our expectations, even when faced with truth.
It’s a powerful message that challenges us not only to acknowledge our biases but also to embrace a mindset of understanding and openness. Thank you for prompting such valuable reflections!
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