Bible Characters Power Point Show

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:1-11

John the Baptist

Matthew 11:1-19

Intro.

1. Renewed interest in John (cave carvings; The Cave of John the Baptist by British archeologist Shimon Gibson).

2. Matt. 3:1-6 – John’s work anticipated the coming of Messiah & His kingdom (fulfilled OT predictions of approaching king, Isa. 40:3).

3. Messiah’s coming signified an impending judg­ment upon sin – Mal. 3:1; 4:5-6.

4. Matt. 11:1-19 – John, who had announced Jesus to Israel, but he is now in prison for his faith & work (Matt. 14:3-4).

a. Would the kingdom come as predicted?

b. What kind of Messiah should they look for?

5. Lessons from John & men’s reactions to him & his teaching.

I. JOHN: THE MAN.

A. A Man of Faith when Tested– 11:2-6; Jno. 1:29-34; 3:25-30.

1. A man of faith whose faith was being tried (imprisoned; the Messiah/kingdom he preached had not yet been established; etc.). (Inspiration did not make a man omniscient.)

2. 11:3 – Was Jesus the Coming One, or was he (like John) preparing the way for another? John looked for answer to remove doubt.

a. 11:2 – Heard of His works (9:35). But, was He really the Messiah? If so, where was His kingdom? (Acts 1:6)

b. To remove doubt, John asked for explanation (Lk. 17:5).

3. Answer: Accept Christ & His truth on His terms – Don’t stumble (Rom. 9:32-33). His works showed Him to be Messiah – Jno. 5:36; Isa. 35:5-6 (42:7; 61:1-3). Now…trust in Him & His purposes.

4. Confident John accepted the answer & evidence, & kept faith.

5. Lesson: Accept truth & keep faith when tested (1 Pet. 1:5-9).

B. A Man of Conviction not Convenience – 11:7.

1. He did not “flip-flop”; was not a vacillating man; Not swayed by public opinion.

2. Courage – 3:7-8; 11:2 (14:3-4): John boldly preached repentance; did not retract his reproof of Herod.

3. Cf. Phil. 1:27-28; 2 Tim. 1:7 - To stand for truth despite opposition (plan of salvation; true worship; work of church; MDR; fellowship…)

C. A Man of Sacrifice not Comfort – 11:8 (3:4).

1. Not self-indulgence – 10:37-39 (Lk. 9:23; 14:33); Rom. 12:1-2.

2. Devoted to God; to be different for God’s sake – Lk. 1:15; Phil. 3:8.

D. A Man of Truth – 11:9 (Lk. 3:2-3; cf. Mk. 6:18).

1. Without truth, these other qualities are vain; truth builds faith & character of faith.

2. Jno. 8:31-32 – Truth must build our faith, char­acter & conduct.

3. 2 Tim. 4:2-5; 1 Pet. 3:15 – Eagerness to preach truth the result.

E. John Taught People to Press into the Kingdom – 11:11-15.

1. 11:12; Lk. 16:16 – John taught men to make an effort to enter the kingdom (Lk. 7:29-30 – word of repentance, Lk. 3:7-8).

* 2. 11:11 – Kingdom holds superior blessings (greatness is measured by one’s contact, association, relation with Christ).

3. 11:13-15 – Law & prophets anticipated kingdom…being fulfilled.

II. REACTIONS TO JOHN.

A. Some Saw John as a Curiosity – 11:7-8.

-How many today view Christians as an oddity & out of place?

B. Some Considered John to a Prophet – 11:9-11; cf. Lk. 7:29.

-He was more than that:

1. Announced Messiah to the world, 11:10.

2. The prophesied Elijah (11:14; 17:9-13).

C. Most Rejected John – 11:16-18; Lk. 7:30. (Rejected his message)

1. Jno. 5:35 – Because of the demanding nature of his message.

2. 11:19 – Also happened to Jesus (Jno. 6:60, 66; Matt. 23:37).

3. Same true of those who will stand for truth – 2 Tim. 4:3-5.

a. Our attitude must be love & service – 2 Cor. 12:15.

b. Even when others see us as enemies – Gal. 4:16.

Conclusion

1. 11:19 – Wisdom is justified of her children:

a. John’s life & message reflected (divine) wisdom (Jesus’ too).

b. Those that reject this divine wisdom (Messiah & kingdom) are lost.

2. The kingdom that John anticipated has now come (Matt. 9:1). You can enter it by obeying the gospel (Col. 1:13).