Jesus encounters John the Baptist Matthew 11: 1-19
Jesus encounters US in our ordinary lives Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV) The Baptism of Jesus 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? 15 Jesus replied, Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness. Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
Confessing Jesus John 1:29-34 (NIV) John Testifies About Jesus 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me. 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel. 32 Then John gave this testimony: I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God s Chosen One. [a]
Our crisis of faith in Jesus Matthew 11:1-3 Jesus and John the Baptist After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. [a] 2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?
In our prison * Doubt * Disappointment Discouragement Disillusionment Despair
Go back to Jesus in your crisis Matthew 11:4-6 4 Jesus replied, Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy [a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.
Jesus tribute to John for all believers Matthew 11:7-12 7 As John s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. [a] 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, [b] and violent people have been raiding it.
Adjusting our expectation to Jesus truth Hebrews 11:1-2, 32-40 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for... 32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again.
There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; [a] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Kidnapped..
Nigeria: 6,000 Christians killed since January
Neil S. Wilson writes Depending on God s protection doesn t mean that bad things can t happen to us. But his safekeeping ensures that even suffering, failures, and death will fit into God s purpose for us. Jeremiah reminded us of this truth: For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope (Jeremiah 29: 11, NRSV). Before all else fails, trust and love the Lord your God.
You may lose your head, but not your soul * Jesus is still The Way, Follow Him * Jesus is still The Truth, Believe Him * Jesus is still The Life, Live Him