False Expectations Can Keep Us Silent

Jesus startled Peter when he said, “Get behind me, Satan.” (Matt. 16:23a)

Peter’s false expectations for Jesus was not according to God’s will. The people of Israel were expecting a Messiah but for all the wrong reasons. Instead, Jesus came to be our Savior of our sins.

After Peter rebuked Jesus for being our sacrificial lamb, Peter was sternly rebuked in return. 

False expectations can prohibit faithful Christians from proclaiming the gospel.

We tend to dwell on worst-case scenarios whenever we consider stepping outside of our comfort zones to tell someone else about what Christ has already done for us.

Will I look like a fool? What if I make a mistake? Will I lose my friendship? What will my neighbors think of me? How will I handle rejection?

Telling others about Jesus is not easy. It’s beyond scary.

It’s impossible. For this reason, faithful believers must trust God’s promises before taking that first step to be God’s messengers.

Believers can trust that:

• His Word always works. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
• His Word is always effective. (Hebrews 4:12)
• His Word is always powerful. (Romans 1:16)

The gospel motivates us to proclaim the gospel. There is a sense of privilege with being God’s messengers. He has set us apart, divinely chosen, and asks us to participate.

False expectations occur when human concerns consume our thoughts rather than God’s concerns. 

[Jesus continues to tell Peter] “…you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Matthew 16:23b

Whenever believers are granted with an opportunity to give a reason for the hope we have in Christ — when the Holy Spirit prompts us to consider being his witnesses on earth — we can overcome false expectations by being consumed with God’s Word and his concerns. 

This doesn’t mean that we will not face rejection, angry retorts, or even feelings of foolishness. But when God does allow us to suffer in his name when we proclaim his name to others, we will be counted worthy. (Acts 5:41).

When there is a cost to lifting our cross for others, God’s hand is in it.

Our attempt to spread the message of salvation are meeting God’s concerns. (Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8)

Prayerfully consider what God has planted in our hearts and spread the Word.

And it will be okay.

We can trust that Christ goes with us till the very end of the age.

That’s not just wishful thinking, or a hope, or a dream. It’s a certain promise God gives us.