Text: John 12:9-19
The Jewish nation thought they worshiped God. But in failing to recognize Him in the face of Jesus Christ, they proved they didn't truly know Him. They expected God to fulfill their ambition and aspirations. Jesus received a King's reception when He came into Jerusalem on the Sunday before His crucifixion. But when the crowds realized Jesus' kingship was much different than they expected, they quickly turned on Him.

Even the disciples were guilty of selfish ambition. Jesus was to bring to them a kingdom for their own power, control, influence, and comfort. Eleven of the disciples realized their mistake once Jesus was glorified (John 12:16). And some of the crowd placed their faith in Jesus on the day of Pentecost.

If we're honest, we are often more interested in God backing up our ambitions and aspirations than trusting Him and His good and wise plan.

But God's plan is for His glory and our good, even if it doesn't initially appear that way. But there is grace and redemption when we reject the plan of our loving and good Father for our own small, self-centered plan. Will you confess your tendency to "use" Jesus for personal comfort, power, influence, or control?

Like the crowds, our expectations of God are inappropriately low. God is working in all situations for His glory, and He is in control, even when it appears like things are out of control. God's glory is our good. We have been called according to His purposes, and He promises "all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28).

So take up your cross and, by faith, deny yourself and follow Jesus today for His glory and your good.