Matthew 11: 1-19

Jesus and John the Baptist

(Suggested readings: Matthew Chapter 3 and 14: 3-6)

 Earlier in Matthew's narrative, John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the One who will baptize with Holy Spirit and fire. Later, apparently, John developed some doubts....

1. Review v 2 and 3

-What would be some of the things that John would hear about in prison? 

-Would these bring comfort to him? Excitement? Would he be discouraged in anyway?

-Why did doubt start to develop?

-What does this say about the humanity of John?

2. Review Jesus' response in vs 4 and 5

-If John had already heard these things while he was in prison, why would Jesus ask John's disciples to tell him again?

-In what way would Jesus' miracles support that He was the one that "was to come?"

3. Jesus added in v 6 that "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

-What does this mean?

-Would this statement have had any effect on John's disciples?

4. Review vs 7-16

-Why did Jesus contrast John against a "reed swaying in the wind?" How about His contrast of John against "those that wear fine clothes in king's palaces?"

-Why did Jesus have such a high opinion of John?

-If Jesus viewed John as a prophet, why did John need confirmation from Jesus about who He is?

5. In the final verses of this section, Jesus questioned the generation of John the Baptist. He pointed out that they refused to respond to the ministry of John as well as Jesus.

Review the last part of vs 19: "But, wisdom is proved right by her actions."

-What does this mean?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 11: 1-19