An Invisible Disciple Fostered Expectation

The riverbank heaved with people leaning forward,
desperate for a word from God after four centuries of silence—
tax collectors confessing their theft (Luke 3:12–13),
hands offering a spare tunic once kept back (Luke 3:11),
soldiers stepping toward the river,
done filling their purses
with coins taken from the poor (Luke 3:14).

John's words were charged with the spirit
and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17),
piercing their armor,
exposing greedy desire,
striking their hearts so sharply
they cried out, "What must we do?"
(Luke 3:10)

John told each person how to turn,
how to repent—to make room for the coming King.

You may not know this about Jesus—
He begins shaping disciples before they ever see Him.

So Andrew and another disciple listened—
one named, one unnamed—an invisible disciple—
and watched,
they repented,
and waited,
two disciples side by side,
leaning forward in expectation,
like watchers looking for first light,
alert for His appearing.

Expectation, like incense, held in the air.
Andrew and the unseen disciple leaned forward as He approached.
Time slowed.
And then He was there—
everything they expected,
except how He looked.

Where am I expecting Jesus to appear right now?

Expectation is not passive—it's a heart leaning forward.
So I ask myself:
How am I looking for Jesus—and why?
When do I expect Him to appear?
What am I expecting Him to do?
And how will I respond when I see Him?

These questions awaken expectation in me
and train my heart to watch for His appearing.

Father, awaken holy expectation in me.
Teach me to look for Your Son, to wait for Him,
and to recognize Him the moment He appears.
Make my heart ready, alert, and eager for His coming.
I ask in the name of the Coming King, Jesus Christ, Amen.