Matthew 11: 1-15
Story & Lessons
John the Baptist had condemned Herod Antipas for his adultery and was thrown into prison.
He began to have doubts about who Jesus was.
He sent two of his disciples to Jesus to ask, "Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
John had affirmed the greatest of the Lord Jesus and had heard the voice from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased".
He had also heard about the wonderful works of Jesus.
Why was he beset by doubt?
Perhaps he was expecting Jesus to purge the nation of wickedness and hypocrisy?
He may have wondered why the Lord allowed him to languish in prison.
*******
The two disciples saw for themselves the mighty power of Christ over sickness and demons.
The Lord Jesus Christ told them to tell John about the things that they heard and saw.
He said to them, "Blessed is he who is not offended because of me".
Jesus was very kind and tender in His assessment of His disheartened servant.
John was greater than all the OT prophets and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him.
This does not mean that John was not a saved man, but that the least in the kingdom were more privileged because they were seeing the wonderful effects of the Messiah's ministry.
Verse 14 does not mean that John was Elijah returned to earth; he had denied this (John 1:21).
His ministry was in the spirit and power of Elijah fulfilling the prophecy that Elijah would come again.
*******
Are we beset by doubts or despair because of some perplexing trial?
Do not be offended (stumble) at the Lord for His dealings with us.
He promises, "Blessed is he who is not offended because of me".
We may not be able to trace the ways of God, but do trust Him.
He is wise and kind and he will never fail us!
Story & Lessons
John the Baptist had condemned Herod Antipas for his adultery and was thrown into prison.
He began to have doubts about who Jesus was.
He sent two of his disciples to Jesus to ask, "Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
John had affirmed the greatest of the Lord Jesus and had heard the voice from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased".
He had also heard about the wonderful works of Jesus.
Why was he beset by doubt?
Perhaps he was expecting Jesus to purge the nation of wickedness and hypocrisy?
He may have wondered why the Lord allowed him to languish in prison.
*******
The two disciples saw for themselves the mighty power of Christ over sickness and demons.
The Lord Jesus Christ told them to tell John about the things that they heard and saw.
He said to them, "Blessed is he who is not offended because of me".
Jesus was very kind and tender in His assessment of His disheartened servant.
John was greater than all the OT prophets and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him.
This does not mean that John was not a saved man, but that the least in the kingdom were more privileged because they were seeing the wonderful effects of the Messiah's ministry.
Verse 14 does not mean that John was Elijah returned to earth; he had denied this (John 1:21).
His ministry was in the spirit and power of Elijah fulfilling the prophecy that Elijah would come again.
*******
Are we beset by doubts or despair because of some perplexing trial?
Do not be offended (stumble) at the Lord for His dealings with us.
He promises, "Blessed is he who is not offended because of me".
We may not be able to trace the ways of God, but do trust Him.
He is wise and kind and he will never fail us!
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