You can find these kinds of interactions all throughout the gospels. But, fast forward to John 18 and the scene where Jesus is getting arrested. Jesus asks a very practical question – but I think it may be the questions he’s been asking the whole time he was on earth. It’s a big crescendo type moment. He asks them, “Who is it you want?” Who is it you want?

Isn’t that the same question He’s been asking all through His ministry. Everyone who comes to him wants something. Every one of them expects something. But what if Jesus doesn’t match your expectations? What if Jesus isn’t who you want Him to be?

What about you? Who do you want God to be? Do you want God to be some big grandpa in the sky who gives you hard candies while he tells you stories? Is that who He is? Do you want God to be your buddy who always thinks the best of you? Or, do you want God to be … angry, wrathful, authoritative? Do you want him to be the punisher of evil?

Who do you want Jesus to be? Do you want the cool, calm, laid-back kind of hippie Jesus on the beach, hanging out? Do you like the “friend of sinners” Jesus, the one who’s the opposer of institutions? Do you want Jesus to be a teacher, maybe a sage, the wise guy who’s got all the answers?

What if Jesus isn’t who you think He is? What if Jesus doesn’t match your expectations?