The Unexpected Messiah: When Jesus Doesn't Meet Our Expectations

Hello, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I want to talk about expectations—specifically, what happens when Jesus doesn't meet them. This is a deeply personal topic for me because I've wrestled with this myself, and I know many of you have too.

When bad things happen, when prayers aren't answered the way we hoped, when God seems silent, when the church suffers persecution—we wonder: Is this really how it's supposed to be?

It turns out this struggle isn't new. Even John the Baptist—the man sent by God to announce Jesus's coming, the one who baptized Jesus and saw the Spirit descend on Him like a dove—even John had doubts when Jesus didn't meet his expectations.

[John's expectations - the conquering Messiah]

Let me paint the picture. John the Baptist, along with most of Israel, expected a certain kind of Messiah. A conquering Messiah. A fiery judge filled with wrath against the evils of humanity. A stone that would crush all opposition. A ruler who would firmly defeat all other authorities on earth, especially Rome.

This is what they had been taught to expect since they were young. This is the image, the idea, the belief about the coming Messiah that they had put their hope in.

And they had good reasons for these expectations! John based his understanding on the Old Testament. Through prophecies like Daniel 2:31-35, the Kingdom of God was viewed by Israel as a time when, as theologian George Eldon Ladd writes, "God's reign will displace all other reigns, kingdoms and authorities. He will break the proud sovereignty of evil people that have dominated most of history...will sweep away every opposing rule. God alone will be King in those days."

So John and the nation of Israel were looking for a Messiah who would crush Roman rule and rescue them from oppression. A Messiah who would reign over all the earth with Israel at His side.

[Jesus's unexpected arrival - not what they expected]

But when Jesus began His ministry, He didn't fit this expectation at all. Born to humble means, living in obscurity for thirty years, His arrival on the pages of history was not accompanied by shouts of wrath, judgment and victory. As Isaiah 42:2 describes Him: "He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets."

Instead, He entered synagogues and began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." He healed the sick, cast out demons, showed compassion to the downtrodden, and walked from village to village telling people about God's love for them.

Where was the takeover of the Roman government? Where was the punishment of those who practiced evil? Where was the establishment of God's physical Kingdom on earth—His palace, throne, armies, and wealth? None of this happened...at least not in the physical realm.

[John's doubt - the question that changes everything]

It's no wonder that even John—the one sent by God to walk in the way of Elijah and announce Jesus's coming—had his doubts. Jesus didn't meet his expectations at all. Maybe John had gotten it all wrong. Maybe he had misunderstood God and His plan.

So from prison, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly: "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:2-3).

Can you hear the heartbreak in that question? "Did I get it wrong? Are you really the Messiah even though you don't seem a bit like a Messiah? Or should I wait for someone else?"

[Jesus's response - gentle correction]

Here's what I love about Jesus's response: He understood John's doubts. He didn't harshly rebuke John for his unbelief and questions. As Isaiah 42:3 says, "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out."

Instead, Jesus challenged John to change his expectations. To rethink who the Messiah truly was and what the Kingdom of Heaven truly meant. He asked John to form a new paradigm, to embrace a new revelation of God's character—a God of mercy, compassion, gentleness, and incredible love for His people.

Jesus told John's disciples: "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor" (Matthew 11:4-5).

In other words: "Look at what's actually happening, John. Not military conquest, but compassion. Not judgment, but mercy. Not crushing enemies, but healing the broken."

[Jesus's true mission - proclaiming justice]

Jesus came not to judge the world, but as Matthew 12:18-20 says, to "proclaim justice to the nations...till He leads justice to victory." He brought compassion and concern to the outcasts of society. He battled sin in each individual, but it was usually done with love, compassion, and gentleness rather than force.

Now, when dealing with demonic beings, Jesus was every bit the conqueror—not allowing them any foothold but driving them out with power and force. But with most people, He was gentle. A shepherd caring for His sheep. A suffering servant.

There were exceptions, of course. With the prideful, arrogant, unloving leaders of the Jewish faith, Jesus exhibited more of the fiery wrath that many expected of the Messiah. But even with these individuals, if there were any willing to humble themselves and ask Jesus true, heartfelt questions—like Nicodemus—He didn't turn them away but showed them compassion and concern as well.

[The church's two paths - force versus love]

When Jesus's time on earth was done—at least for now—He left behind a group of men and women who embraced the Messiah as He truly was and were willing to share that truth with those around them, even to the point of death.

History has proven, time and again, that the gentle way of Jesus, when practiced by His Church, calls many to follow Him. But history has also shown that when the Church tries to spread the Gospel with force, when it "breaks the bruised reeds" and "snuffs out the smoldering wicks," great damage is done.

[The Crusades - the cost of force]

A devastating example is the Crusades. The Church called thousands of men and women to journey to the Holy Land, supposedly following "the will of God," to take it back from the Muslim "infidels." They did this not in love, compassion, and understanding for the lost, but through force.

Thousands were killed on both sides. The cross was worn proudly by those with bloody swords in their hands. The legacy of this quest still weighs heavily on the Muslim world today and has hurt the name of Jesus in immeasurable ways.

Think about that! The very symbol of sacrificial love—the cross—became associated with violence, conquest, and bloodshed. We're still paying the price for that mistake a thousand years later. When Muslims look at Christianity, many still see the Crusaders with their swords, not Jesus with His compassion.

[The better way - examples of gentle witness]

In contrast, there have been many—including men and women like St. Patrick, Columba, William Carey, Amy Carmichael, Jim Elliot, and so many others—who brought the cross of Christ with compassion, sacrifice, gentleness, and love. They didn't come in fiery wrath but in humility and concern.

Their legacy is quite different! Many were won to Christ through their compassion, and the name of Jesus became a name in which, as Matthew 12:21 says, "the nations will put their hope."

St. Patrick wasn't forced on Ireland—he won the Irish through love. William Carey didn't conquer India—he served it for decades. Amy Carmichael didn't dominate India's children—she rescued them. Jim Elliot didn't attack the Waodani—he died reaching them with love, and his death eventually led to their conversion.

[Our mission today - following Jesus's example]

We, the Church of today, must follow the example of Jesus rather than our own expectations. Our human nature desires judgment, a powerful takeover by Christ, and expulsion of the enemy. And yes, that will happen someday at Christ's second return. But it's not yet time for that.

Our mission, like Christ's, is to show the love of God, not His judgment. We are to show the world the love of Christ so that "in His name the nations will put their hope."

This is so relevant to what we discussed in our episode about Christianity and political power! We want to force Christian values on society through laws and political might. But that's not Jesus's way! Jesus changes hearts through love, one person at a time. His kingdom spreads through gentle persuasion, not political power.

[Modern expectations - why do bad things happen?]

Today, people still have trouble with their expectations of Jesus. We ask: If I'm a Christian, why do bad things still happen to me? Why is the Church so greatly persecuted in many parts of the world? Why does Jesus let children suffer? Why do only some follow Jesus and not everyone? Why, why, why?

We search the Bible, our hearts, ask other Christians, read books, listen to sermons. Yet when we ask Jesus Himself, I believe that—just like in John's day—Jesus still says to us: "Pay attention to what you see and hear: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

[God's quiet power - persuasion not force]

God is moving tremendously in the world, and He has been since the beginning. Yet instead of coming with mighty military power, His present Kingdom comes with quiet, gentle persuasion.

Think about it! Christianity has grown from twelve disciples to 2.4 billion followers worldwide—not primarily through conquest, but through transformation. The explosive growth in China happened underground, through suffering and sacrifice, not political power. The Korean church grew through persecution and prayer. The African church is exploding through evangelism and discipleship, not military might.

Just as Jesus enters each of our hearts with love and patience, His Kingdom spreads in this world with love and patience—with persuasion rather than power.

[The application - changing our expectations]

So what does this mean for us? First, we need to examine our expectations of Jesus. Are we expecting Him to be the conquering Messiah who crushes our enemies and makes our lives easy? Are we disappointed when He doesn't give us health, wealth, and comfort? Are we frustrated when He doesn't immediately judge evil and establish His visible kingdom?

If so, we're making the same mistake John made. We're putting our expectations above God's revelation of who He actually is.

Second, we need to embrace the gentle way of Jesus in how we do missions. We don't go to the nations with swords—literal or metaphorical. We don't force conversion. We don't use political power to compel belief. We go with love, compassion, sacrifice, and service. We wash feet. We heal the sick. We feed the hungry. We proclaim good news to the poor.

Third, we need to trust God's timing. Yes, Jesus will return as the conquering King. Yes, He will judge the earth. Yes, every knee will bow. But that's the second coming, not the first. Right now, we're in the age of grace, the age of the Gospel going to all nations, the age when God is patiently calling people to repentance.

[Closing prayer]

Let me pray: 

Thank you for joining me today. May we never make the mistake of the Crusaders, forcing Christ on others. Instead, may we follow the example of Jesus and the great missionaries—winning the nations through sacrificial love.

Until next time, remember—keep your eyes on the nations, and bring them Jesus as He truly is: the gentle Shepherd, the suffering Servant, the compassionate Savior!

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Iran Today: Islamic Oppression and the Unstoppable Church

Hello, friends, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. This is part three of our series on Iran—ancient Persia—and God's prophetic plan for this remarkable nation.

In part one, we explored the biblical promises to Elam, including Jeremiah's explicit prophecy that God would restore this nation in the latter days.

In part two, we saw how Zoroastrianism prepared Persian hearts for the Messiah, and how the Magi became the first Gentiles to worship Christ.

Today, we're going to look at what happened when Islam conquered Persia, how the 1979 revolution weaponized religion, and—most remarkably—how the Church is exploding in Iran today despite brutal persecution.

Because friends, something extraordinary is happening. While the Islamic regime tightens its grip, God is keeping His promise. The restoration of Elam is underway.

Let me start with the history.

Before Islam arrived, Persia was one of the most advanced civilizations on earth. The Achaemenid Empire—Cyrus and Darius—the Parthian Empire, and finally the Sassanian Empire dominated the region for over a thousand years.

And the dominant religion was Zoroastrianism—that ancient faith we talked about in our last episode, with its emphasis on moral accountability, final judgment, and a coming deliverer.

Persia had a deeply spiritual worldview long before Islam arrived.

But in the 7th century, everything changed. Between 633 and 651 AD, Muslim Arab armies defeated the Sassanian Empire. The key battle was at al-Qadisiyyah in 636 AD, and by 651, Persia had fallen.

Political power shifted to the Islamic caliphate. Arabic became the language of religion. Islam became the state faith.

But here's what's fascinating: Persia was conquered militarily—but it later conquered Islam culturally.

The Persian language eventually revived. Persian culture, bureaucracy, and philosophy remained influential. And over time, Persia didn't just adopt Islam—it reshaped it.

Originally, Persia was mostly Sunni Islam, like the rest of the Islamic world. But that changed.

Shia Islam—which emphasizes martyrdom, suffering under unjust rulers, and reverence for a sacred lineage of leaders called Imams—resonated deeply with the Persian worldview.

The martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala in 680 AD became central to Shia identity. And for Persians, with their Zoroastrian background of cosmic struggle between good and evil, Shiism fit their religious instincts far better than Arab Sunni legalism.

The real turning point came in 1501 AD with the Safavid Revolution. Ismail I founded the Safavid Empire and declared Twelver Shiism the state religion.

From that point forward, Iran became religiously distinct from its Sunni neighbors and the global center of Shia Islam. The clerical class—the ulama—gained enormous power.

This is the birth of modern Iranian religious identity.

Fast forward to the 20th century. From 1925 to 1979, Iran was ruled by the Pahlavi Shahs—particularly Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. The Shah was pro-Western, secular, and aggressively modernizing Iran.

He promoted Western dress, reduced clerical power, aligned with the U.S. and UK, and sidelined mosques and religious leaders.

But here's what he didn't understand: religion didn't disappear. It went underground. And it was building pressure.

Then came 1979.

The Iranian Revolution, led by Ruhollah Khomeini, ousted the Shah, abolished the monarchy, and established an Islamic Republic.

But this wasn't just a return to traditional Islam. Khomeini introduced a radical innovation called Velayat-e Faqih—"Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist"—which meant that clerics would rule directly.

Friends, this was unprecedented in Islamic history.

And it changed everything.

Islam wasn't just revived—it was systematized, militarized, and globalized.

Let me show you five reasons the 1979 revolution amplified Islam in Iran.

First, religion became the state. Islam now controlled law, courts, education, the military, and all media. Every aspect of Iranian life was Islamized.

Second, martyrdom theology became political. The story of Karbala—the martyrdom of Husayn—was transformed into modern politics. Death for the cause was glorified. This was used extensively during the Iran-Iraq War.

Third, the anti-West narrative unified identity. The U.S. became the "Great Satan." Israel became the "Little Satan." Islam was framed as a resistance ideology against Western imperialism.

Fourth, Shia messianism intensified. Belief in the Hidden Imam—the Mahdi , the 12th Imam, who will return to establish Islamic rule—took on apocalyptic urgency. The regime presents itself as preparing the way for his return.

Fifth, the revolution was exported. Iran created and funded Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shia militias in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas in Gaza. Proxy warfare was justified religiously. Iran became the ideological engine of modern Shia Islam with global reach.

Friends, this is the regime that rules Iran today—theocratic, apocalyptic, committed to exporting revolution and destroying Israel, and right now, they seem bent on destroying their own people.

But here's what the regime doesn't want you to know: despite brutal persecution, the Church in Iran is exploding.

According to multiple mission organizations and persecution watchdog groups, more Iranians have come to Christ in the last 40 years than in the previous 1,400 years combined.

In 1979, there were estimated to be fewer than 500 Iranian Christian converts. Today, estimates range from 500,000 to over 1 million Persian-speaking Christians—mostly meeting in underground house churches.

Friends, this is one of the fastest-growing movements of Christianity in the world.

Why is this happening?

First, disillusionment with Islam. Forty-five years of Islamic rule has driven many Iranians—especially young people—to question Islam itself. They've seen what an Islamic state looks like, and they want nothing to do with it. 

Second, dreams and visions. Countless testimonies report Iranians encountering Jesus in dreams before they ever meet a Christian or read a Bible.

Third, access to satellite TV and the internet. Despite government censorship, Iranians are accessing Christian teaching, testimonies, and Scripture online.

Fourth, the witness of house churches. Despite arrests, torture, and imprisonment, Iranian Christians are boldly sharing the gospel.

And fifth—and most importantly—God is keeping His promise. Jeremiah 49:39 says, "In the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam." That's not just political restoration—it's spiritual restoration.

But the cost is high. Christians in Iran face harassment, arrest, imprisonment, torture, and execution. Churches are raided. Bibles are confiscated. Pastors are imprisoned for years.

The regime views conversion from Islam as apostasy—punishable by death.

And yet, the Church grows.

Now let me give you three lessons and then a prayer guide.

First: God's promise to restore Elam is being fulfilled before our eyes.

This isn't speculation. This is measurable reality. The spiritual awakening happening in Iran is unprecedented in its history.

Isaiah 60:3 says, "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."

That's happening in Iran right now.

Second: The enemy's greatest weapon—persecution—is fueling the Church's growth.

Tertullian, one of the early Church Fathers, famously said, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church."

That's true in Iran today. Every arrest, every imprisonment, every execution only strengthens the resolve of believers and draws more Iranians to Christ.

Third: We have a responsibility to pray for Iran.

The early Church Fathers understood that nations are battlegrounds in the unseen realm. Daniel 10 reveals spiritual powers assigned to nations—including Persia.

Our prayers matter. Spiritual warfare is real. And God calls us to intercede.

So let me give you a biblical prayer guide for Iran—one that's rooted in Scripture and consistent with how the early Church prayed.

First, acknowledge God's sovereignty over nations. Daniel 2:21 says God "changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others." 

Second, pray Daniel 10 prayers—restraining spiritual powers. Daniel 10:12-13 reveals the "prince of Persia" resisting God's purposes.

Third, pray for the Church in Iran. Acts 2:9 reminds us that Elamites were at Pentecost. 

Fourth, pray Jeremiah 49—restoration after judgment. God promised to restore Elam in the latter days.

Fifth, pray for Israel. Genesis 12:3 says God will bless those who bless Israel. 

Finally, close with Christ-centered hope. Revelation 1:17-18 says Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades.

Let me pray using these ideas: 

Thank you for joining me for this three-part series on Iran. We've seen God's promise to Elam, how He prepared Persian hearts for the Messiah, and how He's keeping His promise today despite Islamic oppression.

Friends, Iran is not forgotten by God. The restoration of Elam is underway. And the Church—purchased by Christ's blood—is unstoppable.

Until next time, keep your eyes on the nations, pray for the persecuted Church in Iran, and remember—God keeps His promises. Elam is being restored.

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Elam (Iran): The Forgotten Promise of Restoration

Hello, friends, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I’m starting a three-part series on a nation that most Christians have never thought about from a prophetic perspective—Iran. As you know, or as I hope you know, it is in the news right now as it seems to be undergoing a revolution! 

Now, when you hear "Iran" today, you probably think about the oppressive Islamic regime, nuclear threats, support for terrorism, and hostility toward Israel and America. And all of that is true.

But friends, there's another story about this ancient land—a biblical story that most people have never heard. A story of judgment, yes, but also a story of promise. A story that's still unfolding today.

Because hidden in the pages of Scripture is an explicit promise of restoration for the ancient people of Elam—the region we now know as Iran or Persia.

And today, we're going to unpack what the Bible says about Elam, why it matters, and what God has promised for this nation in the latter days.

Let me start with the most important passage—the one that should have every prophecy student paying attention to what's happening in Iran today.

Jeremiah 49:34-39 records God's judgment against Elam:

"I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might. I will bring against Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven; I will scatter them to the four winds, and there will not be a nation where Elam's exiles do not go... Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come, declares the LORD."

Now, catch what's happening here. God pronounces judgment—military defeat, scattering among the nations, dispersion to the four winds. But then—and this is crucial—God makes a promise: "I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come."

Friends, this is the clearest restoration promise made directly to Elam. Not symbolic. Not spiritualized. God says, "I will restore."

And that promise is for the "latter days"—the end times.

Let me give you some context. Elam was located in what is now southwestern Iran. Its capital was Susa—the same city where Esther became queen and where Daniel had a vision. This was a real place with real people, and God made them a real promise.

But Elam isn't the only name Scripture uses for this region. It's also called Persia. And when you look at what the Bible says about Persia, a remarkable pattern emerges.

Persia plays a unique role in redemptive history.

Let me show you. In Isaiah 44:28 through 45:13, God does something extraordinary. He raises up a Persian king—Cyrus—and calls him by name…150 years before he's born.

God says: "Who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, "Let it be rebuilt," and of the temple, "Let its foundations be laid."' This is what the LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus... I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me."

Think about that. God calls a pagan Persian king "my shepherd" and "my anointed." He commissions Cyrus—who doesn't even know Him—to free Israel from Babylon, rebuild Jerusalem, and restore the temple.

Friends, Persia was used as God's instrument of redemption for His people.

And that's not the only time. In the book of Esther, it's the Persian king Xerxes who was tricked into sentencing the Jewish people to genocide but later, because of God’s hand and the courage of Esther, he reversed his decision and allowed them to protect themselves, which they did! Also, in Ezra and Nehemiah, it's Persian kings who continue to fund and authorize the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Genesis 12:3 says, "I will bless those who bless you." Persia blessed Israel—and God used Persia for His purposes.

Now, let me show you something else remarkable. In Ezekiel 32:24-25, the prophet lists nations present in Sheol at the time of judgment. And Elam is mentioned.

What's the implication? Elam is not erased from history. It remains a distinct people in a prophetic vision. Even in judgment, God preserves their identity.

And then we get to the New Testament—and here's where it gets really exciting.

Acts 2:9 lists the people present at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell: "Parthians, Medes and Elamites... we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

Elamites. The people of ancient Elam were there at the birth of the Church. They heard the gospel in their own language. They were included in the New Covenant blessing.

Friends, this is spiritual restoration beginning.

Now, let me also mention Daniel 10. This is a fascinating passage where Daniel receives a vision, and an angel tells him, "The prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me twenty-one days."

What does this tell us? That Persia is part of the spiritual battlefield. There are demonic powers assigned to nations—and Persia is no exception. But God ultimately prevails over these powers.

So let me summarize what Scripture teaches about Elam and Persia:

First: Elam receives judgment—but also an explicit promise of restoration.

This is unique. Not every one of Israel's neighbors receives this. Egypt does. Assyria does. But most don't.

Jeremiah 49:39 is crystal clear: "I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come."

That's a promise. And God keeps His promises.

Second: Persia plays a redemptive role in God's plan.

God raised up Cyrus as His instrument to free Israel. Persia funded the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. Persian kings protected the Jewish people.

Persia participated in the Abrahamic blessing cycle—"I will bless those who bless you."

And friends, that pattern continues spiritually today.

Third: Elam is present at Pentecost—indicating spiritual restoration has begun.

Acts 2 shows us that Elamites were there when the Church was born. They heard the gospel. They received the Holy Spirit.

The restoration of Elam isn't just physical or political—it's spiritual. And today, the underground church in Iran is growing faster than any other area in the Middle East. I will speak more to that in the next two episodes. 

Now let me give you three key takeaways from this.

First: God's promises are irrevocable—even to nations under judgment.

Elam was judged. Scattered. Defeated in the past and it is undergoing great turmoil as I speak. But God said, "I will restore." And when God makes a promise, He keeps it.

Romans 11:29 says, "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable."

That applies to Israel. And it applies to Iran today.

Second: Persia is not cursed forever.

When you look at modern Iran—the oppression, the hatred of Israel, the Islamic extremism—it's easy to think God has abandoned this nation.

But Scripture says otherwise. And the growing underground church says otherwise. Persia has a unique place in redemptive history. And God's promise of restoration still stands.

Third: We should be watching Iran with prophetic expectation.

If God promised to restore Elam in the latter days, and if we believe we're living in the latter days, then we should be paying attention to what's happening in Iran.

And friends, something remarkable is happening. The Church in Iran is exploding. Despite brutal persecution, despite executions, despite imprisonment—more Iranians are coming to Christ than at any time in history.

We'll talk more about that in part three of this series. But for now, understand this: God is keeping His promise. The restoration of Elam is happening before our eyes.

Let me pray 

Thank you for joining me today. I hope this has opened your eyes to a biblical promise most Christians have never heard about. Elam—ancient Persia, modern Iran—is not forgotten by God. He has a plan. He made a promise. And He's faithful to fulfill it.

In our next episode, we'll explore how Zoroastrianism prepared the Persian heart for the Messiah, who the Magi really were, and how the early Church Fathers viewed Persia.

Until next time, keep your eyes on the nations, remember that God keeps His promises, and watch what He's doing in Iran—because Elam's restoration is underway.

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