SHARING THE GOOD NEWS (Matthew 11:2-11)
INTRODUCTION:
We have come to the third Sunday of Advent. On the first Sunday we lit the candle of prophecy and remembered the prophecies of the coming Christ Child at the first Advent, but we also prepared our hearts in anticipation of the second Advent. The second Sunday we lit the candle of Bethlehem, a candle which reminds us of the preparation that took place to welcome the Christ child into this world, we also looked at the preparation of John the Baptist as he preached and heralded the arrival of the Messiah-King, preparing peoples’ hearts through repentance and confession to receive the Messiah-King as Savior. This morning, we lit the Shepherd’s candle, it reminds us that the shepherds were the first in a long line of people who joyfully shared the Good News. Our Scripture looked again at John the Baptist who had fearlessly and courageously shared the Good News of the coming Messiah, the Savior of the world, and warned people to prepare for His arrival. John was not afraid to rebuke the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and self-righteousness, neither was he afraid to confront Herod Antipas and condemn his adulterous marriage to his brother’s wife. This confrontation got him thrown in prison where he could no longer share the Good News of the Savior with the people. Because of the turn of events, John the Baptist begins to battle some doubts concerning the Messiah. Let’s pray and then look at our passage of Scripture.
--PRAY--
SCRIPTURE:
Turn in your Bibles to Matthew 11:2-11 our Scripture for this morning. Please, if you are able, stand in honor of the reading of God’s Word and follow along as I read this passage once again.
Matthew 11:2-11,
“Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, ‘Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.’ As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces! But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way before You.” Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.’ ” (Matthew 11:2–11, NASB95)[1]
JOHN’S QUESTIONS (Matthew 11:2-3)
Our passage begins by telling us that John the Baptist is in prison and has been for quite some time. During his time in prison, he has had time to think, and he had heard of the works of Christ. In other words, he knew in general what Christ was doing, overheard others talking about His miracles and His preaching. What he heard or overheard, his situation, and what he had preached began to raise some questions in his mind, some doubt. In John’s case, and in the case of countless other believers since John, doubt might better be described as perplexity or confusion. The perplexity or confusion that we see in these verses is that of a true believer, a true child of God who is a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. John was not questioning the truthfulness of God’s Word as revealed to him in the Old Testament or as revealed to him when he baptized Jesus and saw the Spirit descend on Him and heard the Father’s voice from heaven. He rather was uncertain about his understanding of those truths.
The fact that John the Baptist was perplexed and confused should be an encouragement to us when we face our own doubts about our faith and about the salvation we have in Jesus Christ. Understand that doubt in itself is not sin, it can lead to sin if we allow that doubt to lead us to unbelief. Instead, we must do what John did and get the answers to cause our doubts to go away. John’s disciples must have had some access to him while he was in prison because we read that John sent his disciples to Jesus to ask John’s questions. Remember that John the Baptist had already acknowledged Jesus as the Christ and trusted Him as his Lord and Savior. The fact that John sent his disciples to Jesus is a strong testimony to John’s faith, As I just said John believed that Jesus truly was the Messiah and that He was his Lord and Savior; but the events or lack of events caused his mind or emotions to put a cloud of doubt over his assurance. His questions were saying in effect, “I have firmly believed You are the Messiah, but have I been wrong?” John the Baptist was not asking for information but for confirmation. The disciples of John came to Jesus and asked Him the questions given to them by John. First, are You the Expected One? Along with other titles, such as the Branch, Son of David, King, Messiah, this term the Expected One is another title for the Messiah. Every Jew of Jesus’ day would have known that to ask if He was the Expected One was to ask if He were the Messiah. Second, they asked “or shall we look for someone else?” In other words, “is another coming that we should look for?”
The Jewish people expected the Messiah to first free Israel from her bondage, which at the time was under Rome. The Messiah could not establish His own kingdom of justice and righteousness without first dealing with the pagan, unjust, and cruel Romans. But Jesus had done nothing to oppose Rome, either in words or actions. The Jews also thought that the Messiah would eliminate all suffering—all disease, affliction, hunger, and pain. Even though Jesus’ miracles were marvelous and extensive, they had not banished all those things from Israel, much less from all the world. Many Jews believed that when the Messiah came all their needs would be provided for, they expected health, wealth, and instant happiness, which is why when Jesus fed the 5000, the people were immediately ready to crown Him king.
John knew that Jesus had not proclaimed Himself the King, neither had He done anything to change either the pagan or brutal political and military systems of Rome or the worldly and corrupt religious system of Israel. Nothing had changed. No visible kingdom was in sight, and no radical changes could be seen. John himself seemed to indicate by his question “or shall we look for someone else?” that his expectations about the Messiah were unfulfilled. Last Sunday we saw how his preaching spoke of the Messiah baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire. John knew what he preached was true, and he knew Jesus was the one about whom he preached; yet Jesus had not done the things which he had preached. The Messiah was to come in judgment, and John thought Jesus would immediately start separating the good wheat from the chaff and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire. John’s preaching showed that he expected Jesus to display the blazing power of absolute, complete, and worldwide judgment. John needed confirmation that Jesus was the Expected One so that he could conquer his doubts.
JESUS’ ANSWER (Matthew 11:4-6)
Jesus did not answer John with a simple yes or no, Jesus knew that would not be enough to satisfy John. Rather, He told John’s disciples to present their teacher with the evidence that He was the Expected One. “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.’ ” (Matthew 11:4–5, NASB95)[2] Jesus’ healing and teaching ministry was talked about everywhere and people were gathering from one end of Israel to the other to be healed or to see the fantastic miracles He was performing. John had drawn large crowds; Jesus was drawing even larger crowds.
John was a great man of God and loved by Jesus. As Jesus’ faithful forerunner suffered in prison facing imminent death, the Lord Jesus determined to give him a more direct and personal report of evidence. Luke tells in Luke 7, the parallel passage to this one that “When the men came to Him, they said, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, “Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?”’ At that very time He cured many people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits; and He gave sight to many who were blind.” (Luke 7:20–21, NASB95)[3] Right on the spot and before their eyes, Jesus put on a display of miracles expressly for the personal benefit of John’s disciples and even more for the benefit of John himself. How it must have thrilled John’s heart not only to receive fresh confirming evidence of Jesus’ messiahship but to know that the Lord had performed those miracles specifically to reassure him in his time of loneliness and doubt.
Although Jesus did nothing to relieve John of his physical confinement and suffering, He did send back to him special confirmation that He was indeed the Messiah as seen in the messianic works that He was performing. “The blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” (Matthew 11:5, NASB95)[4] just as Isaiah had prophesied in Isaiah 35:5 and 61:1. In other words, Jesus was saying, “This John, is a preview, a taste, a picture of the coming kingdom. You can see by what I am doing that I care, that I heal, and that I have power over all things.
John’s circumstances did not improve, in fact, he was soon beheaded at the request of Herodias. But it is safe to assume that Jesus’ response was more than enough to encourage John and reassure his faith and remove his doubts. Jesus ended His response to John’s disciples with an encouragement that was primarily for the sake of John, Jesus said, “And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.” (Matthew 11:6, NASB95)[5] Or “who keeps from stumbling over Me.” This was a gentle warning, a tender rebuke, “Don’t doubt,” Jesus said to John, “if you want the blessing of my joy and peace.” The warning did not take away from Jesus’ high regard for John the Baptist, as His testimony immediately afterward shows.
The word translated offense or stumbling is from a Greek word that referred to trapping or snaring an animal. It was used in Greek metaphorically to signify an entrapment or stumbling block caused by offense. Jesus’ messiahship and the gospel of deliverance from sin through faith in Him are great stumbling blocks to sinful, unbelieving man, and Jesus did not want John to be affected by the world’s skepticism and unbelief.
Matthew does not tell us the end of John’s doubt until later. After John was beheaded by Herod, Matthew 14:12 says, “His [John’s] disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus.” (Matthew 14:12, NASB95)[6] They went to Jesus because He was the most important person in John’s life and apparently had become the most important person in their lives as well. When John died, he did not have all his questions answered, and he must have still wondered when Jesus would establish His kingdom, judge the wicked, and usher in His reign of righteousness. John possibly regretted not being able to witness those marvelous events about which he had so courageously preached. But he no longer had doubts about who Jesus was or about His goodness and justice or His sovereignty and wisdom. He was content to leave in the Lord’s hands the many things he did not understand—and that is the secret of being blessed and not stumbling.
Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13, NASB95)[7] Even when we doubt Him, God is faithful to us. Doubt does not cause a believer to lose his relationship to the Lord, because God cannot deny His own promises to keep those whom He had saved. And because of His faithfulness, we can go to Him even when we doubt Him. In fact, only by going to Him as John did can we have our doubts relieved.
JESUS’ TESTIMONY CONCERNING JOHN (Matthew 11:7-11)
As John’s disciples were going away, returning to report to John what they had seen and heard, Jesus turned and began to speak to the crowd concerning John. The crowds as well as Jesus own disciples must have been perplexed when they heard that John, the symbol of boldness and certainty, would publicly admit to doubts about the very person he had been proclaiming. John had a large and loyal following, and many of the people recognized him as a prophet with a message from God. Was John not as trustworthy as they thought, and was his message not reliable?
To answer the questions in the minds of the multitudes around Him, Jesus asked them a question: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” (Matthew 11:7b, NASB95)[8] His question appealed to their own experience, asking, in effect, “Was the man you saw preaching and baptizing in the wilderness uncertain and wavering, like a reed shaken by the wind? Did you ever hear John change his message or compromise his standards?”
The reed Jesus referred to was common and grew along the riverbanks, including the Jordan where John baptized. They were light and flexible, waving back and forth with every breeze. The crowds knew that John was not swayed like those reeds. They had seen him stand up to the religious leaders and rebuke and warn them, why he had even stood up to Herod Antipas and rebuked him. John was bold and fearless, nothing like a swaying reed. The answer was obvious, that is not who we went out to see.
Jesus continued to challenge the crowds with another question about who they had gone to see preaching and baptizing in the wilderness. Jesus asked, “But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing?” (Matthew 11:8a, NASB95)[9] This question reminds them of John’s self-denial. It is the self-indulgent person who dresses in soft clothing, and this person does not live in the wilderness. John lived in the wilderness and wore a garment of camel hair and a leather belt, clothes that would last for a long time. His lifestyle was a living, visual protest against self-indulgence, self-centeredness, and self-righteousness. Jesus went onto say, “Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces!” (Matthew 11:8b, NASB95)[10] John the Baptist was not a self-seeker or self-server. Both physically and symbolically he dressed, ate, and lived far apart from the hypocritical and corrupt religious and political systems. He was not interested in the ease or approval of the world. He had no desire for gaining the favor of those who could advance his career or welfare. He was consumed by the mission God had given him so much so that he was not attracted to the world and its standards. John’s goal was to elevate the Messiah, as seen in His statement that the Messiah is mightier than me, I am not even worthy to untie His sandals. Or as he told his disciples in John 3:30, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30, NASB95)[11] They did not go out to see a man in soft clothes, but just the opposite.
Jesus then asked a third question bringing his testimony concerning John to the point He was trying to make, that John was a trustworthy prophet of God. Jesus’ third question: “But what did you go out to see? A prophet?” (Matthew 11:9a, NASB95)[12] The answer to this question is clearly yes. As I already said, John the Baptist had a large and dedicated following in addition to his disciples, and those who followed him considered him to be a prophet of God.
Jesus went on to assure the crowds that John was indeed a prophet of God but added, “Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.” (Matthew 11:9b, NASB95)[13] Jesus then added why John was more than just a prophet by quoting Malachi 3:1. Jesus said, “This is the one about whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ ” (Matthew 11:10, NASB95)[14] Jesus was saying that John the Baptist was both a prophet and the fulfillment of prophecy. He was the Lord’s messenger who was to prepare the way for the Messiah and who would even baptize Him. He announced the Messiah and ministered to the Messiah with his own hands—as no other prophet had ever done or would ever do again. After thousands of years God’s preparations and prophecies, John was given the unequalled privilege of being the Messiah’s personal herald.
Continuing His praise of John, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist!” (Matthew 11:11a, NASB95)[15] Jesus’ point was that as far as mankind was concerned, there had not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist. He was the greatest human being who had lived until that time. From an earthly perspective, John’s character and calling made him the greatest man yet born besides Jesus Himself. In superior qualities as a human being, John was unequalled. The word translated “arisen” is a word which means to rise up or to appear on the stage of history. It was a term used often of prophets, both true and false prophets. Not only as a human being but as a prophet, no one had arisen to equal John, because he was sent on the very starting point of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus.
But so, there would be no misunderstanding concerning the nature of John’s greatness, Jesus closed our passage with these words, “Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11b, NASB95)[16] Although John the Baptist was a spiritual giant among men, John’s unique greatness was in his role in human history, not in his spiritual inheritance, in which he would be equal to every believer. That is to say, the least in the kingdom of heaven, the spiritual dimension, is greater than he, that is, than anyone in the human dimension, including John.
Even if a man has outstanding character and an outstanding calling, he must also have the opportunity in order to reach the potential of his greatness. John the Baptist entered the scene of human history at precisely the right time, according to God’s own plan, prediction, and provision. After 400 years with no word from the Lord, Israel was expectant, and until Jesus began His own ministry, John the Baptist was the focal point of redemptive history. He was the culmination of Old Testament history and prophecy.
CONCLUSION:
What does this passage of Scripture have to do with Advent? Especially the Shepherds’ candle, the candle that remembers the long line of people who joyfully shared the good news of the Savior. When we think of shepherds we think of sheep. Sheep were important in Israel; they were the sacrifices in the temple. John came announcing the good news of the Savior. John pointed Jesus out to the people and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NASB95) John announced the coming of the final and perfect Lamb of God, no other would be needed. He announced the end of the Old Covenant and the beginning of the New Covenant. He prepared the people for the coming of the Lamb of God through the baptism of repentance and confession of sins. John’s ministry is over, but ours is not. As we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ we must ask the Savior what He wants us to do for Him. Just as John the Baptist had a calling, we too have been called to share with joy the birth of the Savior, but not only His birth but His death and resurrection. We have been called to be witnesses in our world. That witness begins by praying for the salvation of unbelievers. Several weeks ago, I gave you a challenge to begin praying for the salvation of five unbelievers and for opportunities to be a witness to them. Are you still praying for them or is their salvation not important to you? I have been praying for my five, would you join me in praying for the unsaved in our community that you know. Who knows what the Lord might do in the new year He may give you the opportunity to reach the full potential of your greatness for Him!
[1]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[2]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[3]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[4]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[5]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[6]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[7]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[8]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[9]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[10]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[11]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[12]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[13]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[14]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[15]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[16]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.