Caleb Walker

PowerPoint Download: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/z4s3mm9ov3aapuah4u7jo/Sess.-10-Confronting-Doubts.pptx?rlkey=lb4pxnijhyxl489rfumhg6abw&st=7at227op&dl=0

Title: Confronting Doubts

Theme: Jesus Demands Decision

Text: Matthew 11:1-6,16-24, “When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

² Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples ³ and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” ⁴ And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: ⁵ the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers^[a] are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”… 16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 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 at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”[a] 20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

Introduction: While we may encounter second-guessing when making a decision, there is a decision we must make to give our lives to Jesus as savior and Lord. There is no need to doubt or double-take making this decision. The ternal life He has offered us through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son is worth it.

1. Uncertainty (Matt. 11:1-6)

Jesus continues preaching and teaching in their cities, which could either mean the home regions of the disciples or the areas they had previously ministered in. Either way, where truth has been taught and declared boldly previously, follow-up and long-term discipleship is needed.

John the Baptist was imprisoned and rather than sending word about pleading his case to get him out of his sentence, his chief concern is “Who is Jesus and whether He is the Messiah.” This should be our chief concern. The identity of Jesus and as he is the Son of God and worthy of worship. After all, this is what john the Baptist had given his life for. To prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus responded with Scripture to validate His Messianic role and actions. I love His words that introduce this section: “Go and tell John…” (Matt 11:4); Isaiah 29:18-19 (ESV), “In that day the deaf shall hear
    the words of a book,
and out of their gloom and darkness
    the eyes of the blind shall see.
¹⁹ The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord,
    and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.” They had waited and waited and John had preached and baptized repeatedly leading up to this great day, this fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. Jesus wraps up his response by pronouncing a blessing (a pronouncement of happiness or satisfaction) toward the one who is not offended or embarrassed by Him. What’s the opposite of being embarrassed by Jesus? Bold for Jesus.

Application: Easter is just two months away (and with it some warm weather I hope). As we head toward Easter let’s be bold in praying for, reaching, investing in, and inviting our ones.

1. Cynicism (Matt. 11:16-19)

John commends John the Baptist to the crowd, as he was a faithful prophet, a forerunner to Jesus according to Malachi 3:1 (ESV), “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; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.” On a side note, isn’t it beautiful to see how the Bible is so consistent, prophecies foretold and fulfilled in the Divine orchestration of God’s faithfulness and providence. I know we’re just getting started in the year, but let me encourage you to not just prepare your Bible lessons for teaching, but to read, meditate on, and enjoy God’s Word for yourself. If you need a reading plan we have one on the website, and if you need a tool for staying on track go watch my video on my Bible note-taking system. Jesus then uses an analogy to explain the cynicism and lack of genuine earnestness in His present context and generation, which speaks more broadly to generations throughout time. Certainly it speaks to our generation. He says (Matt, 11:16-19 (ESV), “16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 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 at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Look, they accuse Jesus for the sinners and tax collectors He spends time with, the sick who need a physician according to Matthew 9. Jesus’s actions justify-verify-declare to be right-His identity as the all-wise One, wisdom personified. Rather than cynical, let’s be humble, hungry to learn and grow, genuine, and teachable.

1. Denial (Matt. 11:20-24)

Jesus denounces, gives a strong reprimand and rejection of the ones who continually after hearing the truth and seeing the mighty works of God demonstrated, the long, extended mercy toward sinners shown day after day—Jesus rejects them because they have hardened and hardened their hearts so much. This is what happened to Pharaoh. The more he rejected the message of God the harder his heart grew until he was beyond reach. This should serve a as wake up call and a helpful warning that we be cautious toward sin and keep close checks and balances with our walk with God, nurturing fellowship with Him.

Jesus compares the receptivity of certain regions and the rejection of others, fulfilling the prophecies of their impending judgment-the Day of the Lord (I Jn. 4:17; Rev. 20:11-15)- from Isaiah 23:1-5 and Ezekiel 26:1-4. I know it’s easy to hear these and think, od is a God of love not judgement. But know this, without judgment there is no payment for sin, and sin separates us from God, the scandalous wonder of the gospel is that the One deserving to execute judgement-the Jude, Jesus Himself-took the judgment in our place on the cross and rose defeating it once for all to all who repent and believe. This is such incredible news, to reject it in unbelief is truly the worst sin of all. Capernaum is mentioned, because they thought their successes would render exaltation in heaven; they wanted to steal the worship God is only due, and therefore judgment would be stricter on them than even on the Old Testament’s Sodom. We must respond in faith to Jesus and believe Him, or else reject Him in unbelief to which there will be inescapable consequences. If you’ve never given your life to Christ please make that decision today. Additionally, we all know someone who is lost. We should not treat their condition lightly but go and reach them with urgency.

Discussion:

Who has God placed in your life for you to share the gospel with?

Where do we in our own lives engage in cynicism when it comes to our walk with God? What are the reasons we should have certainty and assurance of salvation