John Questions
Mat 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
Do you know that Jesus is still our commander? I think of this as an army, the army of the Lord, the commander gives commands to be followed by his soldiers.
2 Tim 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Mat 11:2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,
Mat 11:3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
That was a strange question from John, who had been sent to make the way for the coming King. He himself had baptized Jesus in the river.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Even after all this, John was suffering doubts while in prison. The devil will whisper doubts in your ear, even John the Baptist was not above doubts, he was a man with failings. Only Jesus never failed. It was the Spirit of God that spoke through John the Baptist proclaiming Jesus is the Lamb of God.
The angel of God spoke to John's father, a priest regarding his son.
Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
Luke 1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
Mat 11:4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see:
Sometimes we have to be reminded about all that God has done in our lives and especially who we are in Jesus.
Mat 11:5 The blind receive their 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.
Mat 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Jesus sent the message of His works to John, he did not say he was the Messiah, the works spoke for this loud and clear.
John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
He is more then a teacher, prophet, King, he is God the Son. Blessed is he who would receive Jesus and not be offended, he did not fit their expectation of a conquering king. He did not come as conqueror to free Israel from Roman rule. God doesn't do things according to our expectations or understanding. He exceeds and excels in His perfect plan, we must not be impatient.
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
The greatest and the least
Mat 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
John's ministry was over. He was in prison, perhaps wondering if he had done what God had called him to do. The devil had put doubts into his head. How often do the saints receive discouragement from the devil. Cheer up Jesus loves you!
Jesus asked the crowds three times what they saw when they went out into the wilderness to see John the Baptist. Did you go out to observe nature?
Mat 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
Did you go out to see a fancy man in beautiful clothing? He was not as a king in apparel. Actually he was dressed in camel's hair garments.
Mat 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
How often we are concerned about appearance. We can't leave home before our hair is combed, face made up, best clothing to make our best appearance. What is it the world says? You are judged by your clothing, so dress up. John was as a vagabond, a primitive man in appearance.
Mat 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
They went out to see a prophet, an oracle of God. God can speak through a burning bush, even a donkey, as Baalam's donkey spoke against the spiritually blind prophet. God was speaking through John. Yet he was more then just any prophet.
Mat 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
John fulfilled the prophecy and the ministry of the prophet who would usher in the Messiah speaking repentance and baptism, for the kingdom of God is at hand.
John 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
None greater, not Moses, not David, no one greater born of women, then John the Baptist. What a tribute to a discouraged servant.
Notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Wow, this reminds me of Jesus commending Peter and then rebuking him.(Mat 16)
What does Jesus mean here? John is the greatest among men, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater. Does this mean that John served through the Spirit with boldness, yet John had little faith? No, he just did not live long enough to benefit from the death and resurrection of Jesus. He had not lived in the new covenant. Yet, he trusted the Messiah. He would be saved by faith. The new covenant would be through the blood of Jesus.
1 Cor 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
1 Cor 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1 Cor 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
This is the gospel the power of God to enter His kingdom.
Violent warfare
Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
Jesus referred to the opposition that came against John the Baptist and Jesus. This was spiritual warfare. They were preaching repentance in preparation for the kingdom of God. This landed John in jail and caused the Jewish leaders to plot to kill Jesus. It is spiritual warfare and inorder to make it to the kingdom, there is a violent battle in the spirit world as well as opposition in the natural world.
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Mat 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
Mat 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
John came preparing the way, as prophesied:
Isa 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
This was not Elijah, but he came in the spirit of Elijah.
Mat 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Scoffers
Mat 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
Mat 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
They were foolish, playing games with their own thoughts. Not living in truth, blind to God's witnesses, and servants of the devil.
Mat 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
Mat 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
The scoffers lack wisdom and unbelief begets unbelief. Unbelievers gather together to mock those walking in truth. Many of the Jewish people mocked John and Jesus; they had not yet eyes to see the truth.
2 Pet 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2 Pet 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Unbelievers still mock the Lord, the written word and his servants.
Ignoring the evidence
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Mat 11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
Mat 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
What does it take to get people to believe in Jesus? He raised the dead, healed the sick, cast out demons, and stilled the raging sea, bringing peace, all in the name of God, his father. Still the people would not believe.
Tyre and Sidon were once thriving seaport cities, but they turned to idols and God allowed them to be destroyed. Tyre, even from old until this time was only a place to mend fishing nets.
Mat 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
This indicates that for those outside of God, that there are varying degrees of punishment. Rest in this: there is no punishment for those in Christ Jesus, only varying amounts of rewards.
1 Cor 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
1 Cor 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1 Cor 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Mat 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
Mat 11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Sodom was a place of great sin, especially homosexual perversion, yet they would not be judged as severely because they did not have the witness and evidence of Jesus as much as did the people of Capernaum.
They were a proud and arrogant people.
Rom 14:23 ...whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Mat 11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
God reveals himself to the humble heart, seeking him. But, to the proud and arrogant he will not reveal himself.
Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer (allow) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
1 Cor 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
Queen Victoria referring to this verse, being a Christian said, I thank God I am not one of the many, but one of the chosen. With God all things are possible.
1 Cor 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1 Cor 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
1 Cor 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1 Cor 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Sin entices for a season, then you are dumped, are left without the enticement. Satan mocks you and you are left feeling separated from God. Reach to Jesus, he has come down for you. Praise our Father God and Jesus His son, by whose sacrifice we are made children of God, by faith in him. Thank you Jesus!
Jesus is Lord of All
Mat 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
All things:
Phil 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Phil 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Phil 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
All things:
Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father;
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
John 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
John 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
Jesus, the Son of God, the living word of God, the works and salvation of God. How wonderful is Jesus, how wonderful is His name.
Come to your Rest
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
The LORD put one day a week aside as a Sabbath day of rest, then Jesus came. He is our rest every day. He calls those who are tired and burdened with work and cares. Where is this rest? It is in coming to Jesus. Today I was weary and heavy laden, I went to where I could be with Jesus. For me, it was a walk in the wilderness, there I sense his presence, I talk and sing to him and give him my prayers. Where is your place to meet with Jesus, where you receive your rest? Maybe alone in your closet or kneeling at your bed. Come to Jesus, he is your rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Being connected to Jesus, we learn of his ways. He is meek and lowly in heart. God throughout scripture has said that he resists the proud, satan fell because of pride. Yet, he gives grace to the humble. If we wish to receive from Jesus we cannot be filled with the works of the flesh, seeking to outdo or feeling envy and strife. Jesus put off his glory and went to the cross for our sins, he has already bore our burdens on the cross. We learn of him meekness, humility and service.
1 Pet 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Pet 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1 Pet 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
We are not doormats, for our message is powerful and the Holy Ghost resides within. The Holy Ghost is as a dove, gentle and lovely yet so wise, able to destroy the works of the devil, destroying every stronghold, yet he takes care of our needs. Come to Jesus, learn of him and rest in his presence. He is meek and lowly in heart.
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