If you have ever done any amount of travelling, you know that a good lesson that applies to any trip of any length is to expect the unexpected. It seems like no matter how much planning may or may not go into a trip, there is always potential for something unexpected. Arriving at your destination airport, only to discover that your suitcase accidentally got sent to another city’s airport is something that you may not have expected. Encountering a hurricane, and being required to take shelter during the week you are supposed to be spending time on a beach in the Caribbean is also something that you may not have expected.

This lesson, to expect the unexpected, is a lesson that Jesus’ followers had gotten accustomed to in regards to His daily teachings. It seemed like every time that Jesus opened His mouth and taught, He would say something that was not what they expected to hear or wanted to hear. Not only are many of Jesus’ teachings unexpected, but some teachings are also very difficult to embrace and understand. Some of the teachings were so difficult that some of His followers even left. (John 6:66-68) 

As we adapt to the unexpected things in life, we, too, are challenged by Jesus to adapt (or transform) our lives to the unexpected teachings that are presented to us through Scripture. Jesus’ followers, and many of the people in the crowd that accompanied Him, were looking for the easier answer. This is true for many people today. Sometimes, we do not want to hear the unexpected or difficult teachings of Jesus. Why? Because they challenge us, they call us to a deeper conversion, and they are not the easy way out of anything. But, what they do is draw us closer to Christ, allow us to experience life in its fullness as God has planned for us, and constantly challenge us to live for greatness and holiness.

The unexpected teachings of Jesus call us all into this life of greatness. Is it what we expect? Not typically, but it is one in which will lead to us following Christ more closely, aligning ourselves with His teachings and embracing the ways in which He calls us all to live our daily lives.

1. What is one example of an unexpected event that has taken place during one of our family vacations or family outings?

2. What are some of the most difficult teachings of Jesus? Why are they difficult? Are there any teachings of Jesus that you struggle with?