The Gospel and the Kingdom - Matthew - Jesus' Reassurance - Part 2

 

TEXT: Matthew 11:1-19 –  Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. ² And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples ³ and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” ⁴ Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: ⁵ The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” ⁷ As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ⁸ But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. ⁹ But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ For this is he of whom it is written:

‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’

¹¹ “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. ¹³ For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. ¹⁵ He who has ears to hear, let him hear! ¹⁶ “But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, ¹⁷ and saying:

‘We played the flute for you,
And you did not dance;
We mourned to you,
And you did not lament.’

¹⁸ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ ¹⁹ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”

Continuing our study in the Book of Matthew. Today we will continue looking at Jesus as He reassures the disciples of John the Baptist, rebukes several cities, rejoices in His Father’s wisdom, and reveals that He is the only way to the Father in Chapter 11.

Today, let us look finish Matthew’s account of Reassurance by the Savior. We pondered John’s Doubts yesterday. Now, let us muse over John’s Request, and Jesus’ Reassurance for John.

John does the right thing. He didn’t seek the opinion of others – he turned to Jesus. Obviously, he couldn’t come to Jesus, but he sent a group of his men to Jesus. Who are they? (verses 1-2) – they are his disciples. What were they to ask? Was Jesus really the Messiah? We often need the ones closest to us to pray for us also for our uplifting.

So, we will muse about Jesus’ Reassurance to John in prison. Start by seeing the proof for John in verses 4-6. They were to return and tell John concerning the miracles they had seen Jesus do. Jesus tells them what to say –Isaiah 61:1-2 – ““The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; ² To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord….”

Then we see the praise of John in verses 7-11. Jesus says that John is one of history’s greatest men He quotes Malachi 3:1 - “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts.”

As great as John was, we can be greater. Not morally – but positionally. When Jesus comes back to earth, all who have believed will rule and reign with Him.

Then in verses 12-15, Jesus speaks about a prophet like John. Jesus compares John’s ministry to that of Elijah. Verse 12 is a struggle for many to understand.

• NKJV “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”
• HCSB “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent have been seizing it by force.”
• AMP “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize].”

The Kingdom by John’s preaching was taking shape and building – but there was strong opposition by both religious and secular rulers.

Finally, consider the prejudice against John in verses 16-19. The crowds called John – demon-possessed. The world is no friend to righteousness. And, though they called John demon-possessed, they called Jesus a glutton, drunk, and sinner. So, when the world dislikes us, we are in good company – if they dislike us for our being right with God.

Three quick takeaways today –

1. Even the strongest Believer can develop some points of doubt and depression.
2. In John’s darkness and pain, Jesus sent a promise to sustain John’s faith. He will do the same for you.
3. When we find ourselves in the valley of doubt, we need to seek Jesus and our fellow believers to ascertain the truth. (Read your Bible and Pray)