The Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 1) At Work Today! Series

Transformed by Truth: The Unexpected Jesus (sermon 1) At work today!

Luke 24:13-35, John 4:4-30, Isaiah 55:8-9

Introduction

Have you ever had a moment when something or someone completely surprised you? Maybe you expected one outcome, but what actually happened caught you off guard and left you in awe. Today, we will explore one of the greatest surprises in history: the Unexpected Jesus.

The title of today's message is "Transformed by Truth: The Unexpected Jesus."

Many times in the Gospels, Jesus shows up in ways that people did not expect. He often defies expectations, both then and now, and as we look at three powerful moments in Scripture, we will see how Jesus reveals Himself in unexpected ways. These encounters not only changed the lives of those involved but can also transform us today.

We will focus on three key points:

Jesus Reveals Himself in Unexpected Ways

Jesus Breaks Down Barriers

Jesus Calls Us to Share the Unexpected Good News

I. Jesus Reveals Himself in Unexpected Ways

Let’s begin by looking at the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35 (NLT). This passage takes place after Jesus' resurrection, but before many had seen Him alive.

Luke 24:15-16 (NLT): “As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.”

In this encounter, the disciples were heartbroken and confused, having just witnessed the crucifixion. They didn’t expect to see Jesus again—let alone have Him walking beside them. Yet, Jesus was right there with them, even though they did not recognise Him. The Greek word used here for "recognize" is epiginosko, meaning to know or discern thoroughly. God prevented them from fully discerning who Jesus was until the right moment.

This teaches us that Jesus often works in unexpected ways, sometimes even when we don't recognise Him. When life feels uncertain or confusing, Jesus may be right there with us, working in ways that are beyond our understanding. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) reminds us of this: “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”

The disciples expected the Messiah to be a conquering king, not a suffering servant. Likewise, we often expect God to work in specific ways, but He surprises us by doing something entirely different. We must be open to the unexpected ways Jesus reveals Himself in our lives, trusting that He knows what is best.

Tim Keller says, “Jesus will not always be what you expect. He will always be what you need.”

Just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we must remain attentive to His presence, even when it’s not what we expect.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Our understanding is limited, but God’s is infinite. Trusting in Him allows us to embrace the unexpected and see how He leads us.

II. Jesus Breaks Down Barriers

The second encounter is found in John 4:4-30, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. This is one of the most unexpected encounters in the New Testament, and it teaches us how Jesus transcends barriers.

John 4:9-10 (NLT): “The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, ‘You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?’ Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.’”

Here, Jesus shatters cultural norms by engaging with a Samaritan woman. Jews and Samaritans had a long history of animosity, and Jewish men did not speak publicly with women, let alone a Samaritan woman. Yet, Jesus broke down these barriers and offered her the gift of "living water," which is a reference to eternal life through Him.

The Greek word for “living water” here is hydor zon, which refers to flowing water, symbolizing the life-giving and refreshing nature of the salvation that Jesus offers. This unexpected offer not only broke down ethnic and gender barriers but also revealed the universal nature of Jesus’ mission.

Jesus still breaks down barriers today. No one is too far from His reach—whether it’s cultural, racial, or social barriers, Jesus seeks to tear them down and offer life to everyone. We must also be willing to step beyond our comfort zones and reach out to those whom society often marginalises.

N.T. Wright says, “The kingdom of God is breaking in where we least expect it, and the church is called to be a witness to that.”