We introduced the theme of “Unexpected” yesterday observing that Jesus’ death should NOT have been unexpected. Isaiah 53 is clear, and Jesus told the disciples what would happen. I confess, I started thinking about unexpected when I read a lovely essay by Amanda Jenkins, wife of Dallas Jenkins of The Chosen. Here’s the essay in its entirety:

We’re more than halfway through the Journey to Holy Week: our 40-day rewatch of all 40 episodes of the show. And at every turn, Jesus does something unexpected:

He sends out disciples to heal, exorcise demons, and share His message…and He creates unlikely duos in the process. Simon and Judas. Big James and Little James. Simon Z for “Zealot” and Matthew the ex-tax collector…Two men who, prior to following Jesus, were on opposite ends of the political spectrum. (I’ll bet you can imagine what that sort of pairing would look like today.)

He wields the power of God, but power goes out from Him when an outcast touches Him. A woman, no less. 

He preaches to thousands for hours on end, filling their hearts and minds and then their stomachs when He feeds 5,000-plus people with only five loaves and two fish…

He sends His disciples to Capernaum by boat, but doesn’t go with them. Instead, He walks on the water to meet them, unhindered by sea or storm or a seething Simon. 

Because time and again, Jesus works in unexpected ways.  

He doesn’t choose powerful or well-connected people; He chooses rebels, misfits, and those who are misunderstood and under-qualified by society’s standards. 

He could’ve healed the world’s wounds with a word. Instead, He calls the disciples to partner with Him (and each other) to change the world. 

He could’ve moved unencumbered through the crowds. Instead, He stops to heal people, including the bleeding woman, and He honors her by saying, “Your faith has made you well” (Matthew 9).

He could’ve fed the hungry crowd by raining down manna from Heaven—after all, He’d done it before (Exodus 16). Instead, He performs a miracle with a little boy’s lunch. 

He could’ve ensured smooth sailing. Instead, He walks on water, proving to His disciples (and to us!) that He is peace in the midst of chaos. 

Indeed, God accomplishes the impossible by way of the ordinary. He’s never overwhelmed by the odds or short on resources or frightened by rough waters. Instead, He turns scarcity into abundance, confusion into calling, and chaos into order. 

Which means, if you feel misplaced, overlooked, or underqualified, know that you are chosen and equipped by the One who repeatedly does the unexpected. 

…expect the unexpected, since that’s where Jesus likes to be. – Amanda Jenkins, wife of Dallas Jenkins, producer and co-writer of The Chosen

A good word: “chosen and equipped by the ONE who repeatedly does the unexpected.” Here’s what Jesus told the disciples in the Upper Room right before the crucifixion:

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15.16, ESV)