Embracing Jesus As He Is: Rejoicing in His True Identity

Pastor Reed Sowell

When reality aligns with or exceeds expectations, it often brings joy and surprise. Think about times when an intimidating challenge turned into an unexpected victory. Maybe a DIY project turned out beautifully, or a gathering you dreaded became a cherished memory. These moments remind us that sometimes reality surpasses even our most hopeful expectations.

But what happens when our expectations don’t align with reality—especially in our spiritual lives? What are we to do when Jesus doesn’t meet the expectations we’ve created for Him?

Rather than rejecting Him for who He truly is, we are invited to rejoice in the surpassing goodness of His identity and His work in our lives. Let’s take a closer look at who Jesus is, what Scripture reveals about Him, and how His reality exceeds our expectations.

Rethinking Expectations of Jesus

Do you ever catch yourself putting Jesus in a box? It’s easy to form ideas about who He should be and how He should work in our lives. We might expect Him to fulfill specific desires or solve problems in a particular way. And when He doesn’t, it can be disorienting.

However, Jesus never promised to conform to our expectations. Instead, He reveals who He truly is through Scripture and His Spirit. As we come to know Him more deeply, we find that His character and plans surpass anything we could imagine.

Prophecies of Isaiah: Clues to the Messiah

Over 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah. His prophecies paint a vivid picture of who Jesus is, yet the people of Israel often misinterpreted these messages.

A Virgin Birth

Isaiah 7:14 proclaims, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Imagine hearing this centuries before Jesus arrived. How could a virgin conceive a child? This miraculous event points directly to Jesus, born of the virgin Mary.

Initially, this was a source of confusion for Joseph, Mary’s betrothed. But an angel reassured him in a dream, explaining that this child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The name “Immanuel” means “God with us,” a powerful reminder that through Jesus, God entered our world to dwell among us.

A Kingdom Without End

Isaiah 9:6-7 describes a child born to reign:

“And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.”

The Jewish people longed for a political savior who would overthrow Roman rule. Yet Jesus didn’t come to establish a physical government. Instead, He brought an eternal kingdom characterized by peace, justice, and righteousness.

The Humble Savior Redefines Greatness

Jesus’ arrival turned conventional ideas of greatness upside down. Born in a stable and laid in a manger, the King of Kings entered the world in the humblest of settings.

When angels announced His birth to shepherds in Luke 2:10-11, the message was clear:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

The setting of His birth—the stable, the manger, the shepherds—was no accident. It symbolized the humility and accessibility of our Savior. Jesus redefined greatness, teaching that to be truly great, one must become the servant of all.

A Spiritual Liberation

Isaiah 61:1-4 offers a glimpse into the mission of the Messiah:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

While many expected Jesus to bring political liberation, He offered something far greater—spiritual freedom. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus released us from sin’s bondage, restored our relationship with God, and established a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

The Cornerstone of Our Faith

Isaiah 28:16 speaks of a cornerstone—a firm foundation upon which everything else rests:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”

Jesus is that cornerstone. He is the foundation of our faith, providing strength and security in an uncertain world. His righteousness is credited to us through faith, and His sacrifice ensures our salvation.

Compassion and Justice in Action

Isaiah 42:1-7 captures the gentle yet powerful nature of Jesus:

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice.”

Jesus offers compassion to the weary and justice to the oppressed. He invites us into a covenant relationship with God, one that is unshakable and eternal. His mission was not limited to Israel but extended to all nations, illuminating the path to salvation for everyone.

Rejoicing in the Reality of Jesus

The Jewish people expected a Messiah who would overthrow Rome and restore their earthly kingdom. Instead, Jesus came to conquer sin and death, establishing a heavenly kingdom that is open to all who believe.

In Jesus, we find a Savior who:

• Exceeds every expectation.

• Brings peace, justice, and righteousness.

• Offers salvation through faith, not works.

• Redefines greatness through humility and service.

His kingdom is not bound by time or geography. It is eternal, and we are invited to be a part of it.

Further Reading

• "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel – Explore the evidence for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection in this investigative journey.

• "Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers" by Dane Ortlund – Discover the compassionate heart of Jesus for those who feel unworthy of His love.

Other Links

• Want to hear more? Check out last week’s message titled, Overcoming Doubt and Embracing Faith.

• Visit our Resources Page for Bible studies and tools to grow in your faith.