Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:25-27

Matthew 11:16-30: Reactions, Judgment and Rest

Intro.

1. John’s life teaches us lessons about faith, conviction, sacrifice, truth, and the powerful persuasion of truth (11:2-15).

2. The reactions of people to John and Jesus continue to be seen today in people’s reactions to the truth and to Christians.

I. REACTIONS TO THE WORDS OF JOHN, Matt. 11:16-19.

A. Some saw John as a Curiosity, 11:7-8.

-How many view Christians today as an oddity and out of place, 1 Pet. 2:9; 4:3-4.

B. Some Considered John a Prophet, 11:9-11; cf. Lk. 7:29 (More).

-Messiah’s Messenger, 11:10; prophesied Elijah, 11:14 (17:9-13)

C. Most Rejected John and his Words, 11:16-18; Lk. 7:30.

1. It was not long before the demanding nature of his message caused people to turn away from him, Jno. 5:35.

2. This also happened to Jesus, Matt. 11:19 (Jno. 6:66).

3. Same true of anyone who will stand for truth like John and Jesus did, 2 Tim. 4:3-5.

a. What our attitude must be, 2 Cor. 12:15.

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

D. Wisdom is Justified (Vindicated) by her Children, 11:16-19.

1. John’s life reflected wisdom and harmony with his message (so did Jesus’ life).

2. Wisdom’s children would have taken to heart John’s message (and Jesus’)!

3. Those who rejected John were rejecting divine wisdom, which is foolish! (1 Cor. 1:21, 25)

II. REACTIONS TO THE WORKS OF JESUS, Matt. 11:20-24.

A. His Works were Rejected, Jno. 10:37-39.

1. They bore sufficient testimony that people could and should have believed, Acts 2:22.

2. Scolded for rejecting and not repenting: Their rejection was not justified and they were rebuked for it.

B. The Importance of Repentance, 11:20.

1. A change of mind that produces a change of life.

-Tyre and Sidon (Ezek. 26-28); Sodom (Gen. 19).

2. When we repent, God expects us to cease the sin and do what is right:

a. Fruit worthy of repentance, Lk. 3:8-14.

b. Doing works worthy, Acts 26:20; cf. Rev. 9:20-21.

c. Cf. using 1 Cor. 7:24 re. unscriptural remarriages. Be consist—homosexual same sex “marriages”, cf. Matt. 11:23.

C. The Day of Judgment, 11:22, 24.

1. Refusal to repent in the face of overwhelming evidence of truth: “WOE!”

2. Ungodly living, 2 Pet. 2:6; Refusal to repent is ungodly!

3. Not that these cities were less wicked – they had greater opportunities to which they would be held accountable, Lk. 12:47-48. Same evidence would have prompted repentance!

III. THE LORD’S INVITATION TO COME, 11:25-30.

A. God’s Plan: Reveal His Will to the Humble in Heart, 11:25-27.

1. Arrogance and conceit blind men to truth, 11:25 (Matt. 13:11-13); Jno. 9:39-41.

2. Though claiming wisdom, the opponents of John and Jesus were arrogant fools, cf. 11:17-19.

-Thus, truth is thus hidden from them.

3. The power by which Jesus worked, 11:27 (20, 21, 23) showed Him to be the Son of God (Father’s approval).

B. The Humble are Blessed with:

1. Knowledge, 11:25; cf. Jno. 7:17.

2. Rest from sin, 11:28; cf. Jas. 4:6-10.

3. Discipleship, 11:29-30; cf. 1 Jno. 3:1.

Conclusion

1. There is no wisdom in rejecting the truth that Jesus is Christ or that He can save you from your sins.

2. Jesus offers you rest from sin; will you come to Jesus now?