God sometimes acts in ways we don’t expect.

As He was going, they were spreading their coats on the road. As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting: “BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. `For the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:36-44

We say, “Hindsight is 20/20,” meaning, “If only I had known then what I know now!” Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem must have been one of those moments for the disciples. It had appeared to be such a wonderful day for them—and it was, but for different reasons than they realized.

The disciples weren’t the only ones who had misconceptions about the Messiah. Many Jews expected Him to be an earthly king. When the crowds’ heard Jesus was coming, they cheered, “Hosanna!” which means, “Save now!” (Mark 11:9). They saw Him as their new ruler, come to bring salvation from political oppression. He raised the dead, so there was no doubt he could also restore David’s kingdom and free them from Roman rule.

Seated upon a donkey, Jesus resembled a ruler returning to his city in peacetime—one whose subjects would have lined his path with coats and palm fronds in celebration (Mark 11:8). Even the Pharisees were there, watching in indignation and saying, “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19).

This week, think back to times when circumstances turned out to be something you didn’t expect or when you realized God was different than you’d imagined. And look for an opportunity to share your insight with a friend or loved one.