It can be disheartening when expectations are not met, and some can even abandon pure worship as a result of it. This happened in the 1st century to many of Jesus' disciples.
(John 6:66) Because of this, many of his disciples went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him.
Jesus had not met their expectations regarding the role of the promised Messiah, in spite of having identified him as being such.
Jesus had fed a large crowd with just 5 loaves & 2 fish & had more left over than he started with.[John 6:9-13]. What conclusion was obvious to the crowd?
(John 6:14) When the people saw the sign he performed, they began to say: “This really is the Prophet who was to come into the world.”
Their disappointment came when Jesus would not conform to their wrong expectations.
(John 6:15) Then Jesus, knowing that they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain all alone.
Many had hoped in a political Messiah that would free them from the Roman yoke & usher in the Messianic Kingdom at that time.
When Jesus then sought to correct their materialistic viewpoint it became more than some could bear.
(John 6:26) Jesus answered them: “Most truly I say to you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate from the loaves and were satisfied.
(John 6:41) Then the Jews began to murmur about him because he had said: “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”
Contrast those that left with those that remained.
(John 6:67, 68) So Jesus said to the Twelve: “You do not want to go also, do you?” Simon Peter answered him: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.
They were prepared to remain loyal to the promised One.[ Deuteronomy 18:15-19 ]
There has been similar happenings in more modern times. The publication JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom acknowledged: "some of their time calculations and the expectations that they associated with these gave rise to serious disappointments...
Certain ones did not simply choose to go their own way; they became aggressive in opposing the organization with which they had been associated, and they made use of the public press and television to air their views. Nevertheless, the number who defected was relatively small."
Jesus loyal apostles of the 1st century continued to harbor wrong expectations even after Jesus' death & resurrection.
(Acts 1:6) So when they had assembled, they asked him: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
This of course did not disqualify them as being the only channel through which Jesus' disciples were to be spiritually fed.
(Acts 2:42) And they continued devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles..
In like manner,following Jesus' enthronement in 1914 there has been an appointed slave appointed that it is vital to recognize & give heed.
(Matthew 24:45) “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?
That slave is soon to receive further appointment of all Christ's belongings.
(Matthew 24:46, 47) Happy is that slave if his master on coming finds him doing so! Truly I say to you, he will appoint him over all his belongings. Is there any other suggestions as to who that slave will prove to be?
