John the Baptist is imprisoned and sends his disciples to inquire about all Jesus is doing.
Matthew 11:2-19
SERMON OUTLINE
“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.” (Matthew 11:11)
John the Baptist’s Perspective on Jesus (11:2-6)
- John’s early perspective on Jesus: the one coming after who is stronger (3:11-12)
- John’s current perspective on Jesus: “are you the one who is to come?” (11:2-3)
- Jesus’ response to John’s question: take a look at what’s happening (11:4-6)
Jesus’ Perspective on John the Baptist (11:7-15)
- John was a prophet (11:7-9)
John was “Elijah” the prophets spoke of (11:14; Malachi 3:1; 4:4-5) - John was the last of the age before the Kingdom (11:11-14)
- Jesus’ question to His hearers: do you have ears to hear? (11:15)
This Generation’s Perspective on John the Baptist and Jesus (11:16-19)
- A parable about children in the market (11:16-17)
This generation’s desire for Jesus and John to “fit” their desires - The proof of the wisdom of God’s Kingdom
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about John the Baptist?
- This week we continue our series, “The Messiah’s Mission,” by looking at Matthew 11:2-19.
- Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read the passage aloud.
- The first section of this passage begins with John the Baptist’s disciples asking a question of Jesus (11:2-3). What is the question?
- Take a moment to return to John the Baptist’s words about “the one who is to come.” Read Matthew 3:1-17. What do you think may have made John and his disciples question whether Jesus was the Messiah?
- What does Jesus say in response (11:4-6)? How have these actions been seen in His work so far?
- Sometimes we think having questions about Jesus is wrong. John the Baptist had questions about Jesus and reached out to Jesus with those questions. What do you think it looks like to bring our questions to Jesus today?
- The second section of this passage (11:7-15) focuses on who John the Baptist is. What are some of the ways Jesus describes John in these verses?
- Jesus traces the contours of salvation history in these few verses with John being at the very end of one age before Jesus begins something new. How does this shed light on the bold statement of Jesus in verse 11?
- The final section of this passage (11:16-19) addresses “this generation” and their view of John the Baptist and Jesus. The little parable of verses 16-17 is based on children play-act- ing weddings (where dancing happened) and funerals (where mourning occurred). How does this parable, and the following sentences (verses 18-19) speak to Jesus’ critique of “this generation”?
- What do you think people in our generation think about Jesus and John the Baptist, or maybe just this whole church and Christianity thing?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 11:11.
- Study all the passages about John the Baptist in the Gospel of Matthew (3:1-17; 4:12; 9:14-17; 11:1-19; 14:1-13; 16:13-14; 17:10-13; 21:23-32).
- Explore Bible maps related to the life and ministry of John the Baptist here
- While it focuses on the Gospel of Luke, you may enjoy watching the Bible Project video, “The Baptism of Jesus (Luke 3-9)”