WISDOM’S VINDICATION
Matthew 11: 7 – 19
Background: Matthew 11:1 – 19
Unusual and unexpected behavior will most likely be vilified and
labeled eccentric, foolish, or wrong. Both Jesus and John faced this predicament. Jesus declared that both His
and John’s actions “would be proven wise by their subsequent deeds.” [1]
Opposition to Jesus has taken a turn. His rivals will make
it clear in no uncertain terms their dislike for Him, His ministry, and His
claims. When does this opposition to Jesus begin to ramp up?
“11:1 Now when Jesus
had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their
cities.”
When He began to teach “in their cities.” Note – watch out when you begin to proclaim
the kingdom of God in what was formerly the devil’s space. Teachers, don’t be
surprised when you encounter opposition to teaching the Word.
What we are about to see are varied responses to Jesus’
actions, His sayings, and those of John a little later.
Not
Johnny!!!
John we are told is imprisoned by Herod and is facing sure death. In verses two through three we observe a man experiencing a bit of
dissonance. John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Christ is questioning if
Christ is the real kahuna! Say it ain’t so Brother John! Say it ain’t so!
“Are
you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” (11:3b).
Was Jesus not living up to John’s expectations? Is John confused?
John had painted such a good picture of Jesus earlier (Mat. 3:11-14).
Let’s see…..
ü
John is in prison in Machaerus. Jesus in His
teachings promised He’d free the prisoners (Luke 4:18).
ü
It was prophesied that Messiah would execute
vengeance upon the enemies of God (Isa. 61:2)
ü
It was prophesied that Messiah would “bring
people out of the dungeon” (Isa. 42:7)
Wait a minute!!!
“Are
you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” (11:3b).
What is your response when someone acts
outside-of-our-expectations?
TAKEAWAY – When we are faced with overwhelming obstacles
(given the facts)
Fact is there is no money, Fact
is the marriage is falling apart, Fact is the ministry is failing…Fact is!
The
fact is John was about to die…faithful to God to the end…
If anyone should be spared, it’d be John ….right!!!
WISDOM’S
VINDICATION
Jesus’ actions and His behavior will
vindicate what is seemingly contradictory
Jesus sent John a message – It’s tough, but seek the
wisdom of God for this season:
“Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the
blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers[c] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead
are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And
blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me”
(Mat. 11:4-6).
With John in prison, Jesus picked up the baton and did
ministry – “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Did John forget he’d said this? How we often forget things when we are facing
difficulty and loss of expectations.
Kingdom
living involves decreasing, so that Christ may increase!
WHAT DOES DECREASING (FOR GOD) LOOK LIKE IN YOUR WORLD?
John! I
may not be what you expect Me to be, but I am surely doing the will of the
Father – Look at my works!! 5 the
blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to
them.
Jesus goes on to tell the disciples and all others who have
doubt to remain faithful to the mission no matter what: “Whoever doesn't lose his faith in me is
indeed blessed" (Mat. 11:6).
Try telling that to a dying man!
Defending
Brother John and Himself
Of course, the question John had asked of Jesus not only
showed John’s doubt of Jesus, but the question was posed in the open. This
meant Jesus had to reassure the crowd about both of their ministries. Matthew
11: 7-15 will be a discourse in testimony concerning John the Baptist. It was important to address these questions
and doubts (just like he assured John of His legitimacy) because it could lead
to doubting John’s message as well. If he (John) proclaimed Christ as the
Messiah, the Promised One, then there could be no room for doubt.
WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY FACTS!!
(ALTHOUGH FACTS HELP, WE JUST
NEED PERSPECTIVE…GOD’S WISDOM ON THE MATTER).
[1]
Apostolic Way, Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, (2019), 436.
GoogleImage
Written by Kevin A. Hall
No comments:
Post a Comment