The Ouse Valley Benefice

Shattered Expectations

We all carry expectations into every day, and into every season of our lives. When things go as planned, it’s great. But sometimes, the unexpected happens. When we look back at the Holy Week narrative, we see a story defined by these shattered expectations, ultimately revealing a profound truth: God does things in a way we might not expect.

Imagine the scene: the crowds on Palm Sunday, cheering Jesus into Jerusalem. Maybe they expected a warrior king on a warhorse, ready to overthrow the Romans. Instead, they got Jesus riding on a humble donkey, offering a different kind of peace. For the disciples, who were jockeying for important roles, the week was a roller coaster of emotions, far from the success they sought. Even the simple act of the Last Supper broke tradition—Jesus, their leader, kneeling to wash their feet.

The expectations of the religious leaders were also shattered. They plotted against Jesus, sure that the cross—the ultimate sign of shame and humiliation—would be the end of him. They expected silence and finality when the body was placed in the tomb.

But the greatest surprise was yet to come. The women who approached the grave on Sunday morning expected a sealed tomb, silence, and deep sorrow. That expectation was also profoundly shattered. The tomb was empty, and Jesus had risen again.

This empty tomb shattered everyone's certainties: the religious leaders' expectation of silence, the disciples' hope for an earthly victory, and the women's certainty of sorrow. It proves that God’s plans are infinitely greater than any of our own.

What does this resurrection mean for us, 2,000 years later? We might have our own expectations for how Jesus should act in our lives, but the reality is that he is so much more than the person we want him to be—he is the person we need him to be. We are invited today to lay aside our own expectations and fears to allow the resurrected Christ to truly come in.

Don’t waste this Easter moment by going back to the life you lived before. Live your life with Jesus at the centre. Let your expectations be shattered, knowing that God’s plans and His love are the greatest gifts we could ever receive. Look into the empty tomb and know that Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Weekly Church of England Online Service

Do you know someone who is unable to get to church? 

If so, why not point them in the direction of the weekly online service from the Church of England. They can sign up to a weekly mailing with details of the service and watch each of the services online. Click the button below for more details and to sign up.