1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:08,140 So today's Bible reading is from Matthew chapter 11 verses 1 to 6 if you are wanting to use a Bible 2 00:00:08,300 --> 00:00:13,640 I'm reading from the NIV and we have Bibles at the entrance of the church there if you need one 3 00:00:14,120 --> 00:00:17,880 So looking at Matthew chapter 11 verses 1 to 6 4 00:00:19,140 --> 00:00:22,940 After Jesus had finished instructing his 12 disciples 5 00:00:23,440 --> 00:00:27,920 He went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee 6 00:00:27,920 --> 00:00:32,920 When John who was in prison heard about the deeds of the Messiah 7 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:35,680 He sent his disciples to ask him 8 00:00:36,200 --> 00:00:40,120 Are you the one who is to come or should we expect someone else? 9 00:00:40,960 --> 00:00:42,680 verse 4 10 00:00:42,680 --> 00:00:47,360 Jesus replied go back and report to John what you hear and see 11 00:00:47,800 --> 00:00:49,800 The blind receive sight 12 00:00:50,280 --> 00:00:52,080 The lame walk 13 00:00:52,080 --> 00:00:55,840 Those who have leprosy are cleansed the death here 14 00:00:55,840 --> 00:01:00,120 The dead are raised and the good news is proclaimed to the poor 15 00:01:00,960 --> 00:01:04,720 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me 16 00:01:05,400 --> 00:01:07,400 Thank God for his word 17 00:01:11,360 --> 00:01:13,360 Morning everyone again 18 00:01:14,200 --> 00:01:16,800 So if you've been with us for the past few years 19 00:01:17,400 --> 00:01:22,440 You know that we've periodically been in the book of Matthew 20 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:25,040 for quite some time 21 00:01:25,040 --> 00:01:31,200 In fact, this is the third year that we've been looking at the gospel and 22 00:01:31,840 --> 00:01:40,000 Exploring the wonderful truths of our Lord's mission to this world as told to us by the evangelist Matthew 23 00:01:40,600 --> 00:01:44,440 Now just to get back to where we left off and to get a bit of 24 00:01:45,240 --> 00:01:49,160 Context to the passage that we're going to be looking at this morning 25 00:01:49,760 --> 00:01:53,480 Last time we were in this gospel. We were in chapter 10 26 00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:59,440 Where Jesus was sending out his 12 apostles on their first 27 00:01:59,960 --> 00:02:00,960 mini 28 00:02:00,960 --> 00:02:06,680 Commission to tell Israel about the good news of their coming Messiah 29 00:02:07,480 --> 00:02:14,240 By this point Jesus had shown them what he was capable of capable of they'd seen him heal disease 30 00:02:14,920 --> 00:02:21,320 Control the weather cast out a legion of demons and raised the dead with just a word 31 00:02:21,320 --> 00:02:23,320 From his mouth 32 00:02:23,720 --> 00:02:32,080 But more than that they'd heard him preach and teach on the good news of the kingdom of heaven and 33 00:02:32,400 --> 00:02:37,640 How it had come near to them in the coming of Israel's king 34 00:02:38,320 --> 00:02:40,320 Jesus Christ himself 35 00:02:40,760 --> 00:02:44,720 And in this passage that we're going to look at this morning 36 00:02:44,720 --> 00:02:52,120 That's where Matthew wants to keep our attention on Jesus Christ because Matthew wants to show us yet again 37 00:02:52,600 --> 00:03:00,280 That this Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the long-awaited Messiah that God had 38 00:03:00,800 --> 00:03:04,720 Promised through the prophets in his word to the world 39 00:03:05,240 --> 00:03:11,920 So that we as his disciples might be encouraged to persevere in our faith 40 00:03:11,920 --> 00:03:16,960 And there's a few things that I want to pull out of this passage you for you this morning 41 00:03:16,960 --> 00:03:21,840 But before we do any of that why don't we come before our father this morning and ask for his 42 00:03:22,120 --> 00:03:25,440 Help in the doing would you please pray with me? 43 00:03:29,240 --> 00:03:31,240 Lord Jesus it was said 44 00:03:32,040 --> 00:03:37,800 All those years ago you have the words of eternal life 45 00:03:37,800 --> 00:03:41,400 This morning we are peering into 46 00:03:42,280 --> 00:03:47,040 Great words from you and we ask that by your Holy Spirit 47 00:03:47,640 --> 00:03:49,800 That you would give us ears to hear 48 00:03:50,800 --> 00:03:53,520 That you would give us eyes to see 49 00:03:54,480 --> 00:04:02,560 By your spirit you would work on our hearts and that you our Lord and Savior would be held so high among us 50 00:04:02,560 --> 00:04:09,840 And that you would be pleased to draw all manner of people in all sorts of situations to yourself 51 00:04:10,080 --> 00:04:12,240 This morning through the preaching of the word 52 00:04:12,840 --> 00:04:18,080 We ask for this in your name Jesus and for the sake of your church. Amen 53 00:04:19,840 --> 00:04:25,200 You know one of the funniest quotes from the Simpsons is when Homer's court 54 00:04:25,640 --> 00:04:30,800 Doing something that he shouldn't have by his children and as they catch him out 55 00:04:30,800 --> 00:04:37,280 He screams don't do as I do do as I say and I love that quote 56 00:04:37,760 --> 00:04:39,760 Because though humorous it 57 00:04:40,560 --> 00:04:48,000 Exposes something about many in authority and leadership in that they want you to follow their 58 00:04:48,520 --> 00:04:55,920 Instructions, but not their actions because quite frankly they can't live up to their own 59 00:04:57,080 --> 00:04:59,080 self-proclaimed image 60 00:04:59,080 --> 00:05:02,840 Not so with the Lord Jesus Christ 61 00:05:03,600 --> 00:05:08,360 No, it's as it's already been said this morning the passage that we find ourselves 62 00:05:09,200 --> 00:05:17,000 Here comes off the back of Jesus telling his apostles to go and preach 63 00:05:17,360 --> 00:05:27,080 About the kingdom of heaven and we see a couple of really fantastic things here in just verse one of our text this morning 64 00:05:27,080 --> 00:05:32,680 On one level we're reminded yet again that teaching and preaching is 65 00:05:33,600 --> 00:05:39,040 Incredibly important. It's vital to the advancement of the kingdom of heaven 66 00:05:39,280 --> 00:05:47,640 Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word and as Paul says the gospel is the power 67 00:05:48,160 --> 00:05:49,840 unto salvation 68 00:05:49,840 --> 00:05:52,880 So that's the first thing that we're reminded of here 69 00:05:52,880 --> 00:06:00,400 But it's the second thing that Matthew tells us which is what I want us to focus on and that's that our Lord 70 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:06,400 Never calls us to do something that he's not willing to do himself 71 00:06:07,440 --> 00:06:16,160 Notice that Jesus has just spent all of chapter 10 telling his disciples to go to preach to teach 72 00:06:16,160 --> 00:06:22,360 But then instead of kicking back and kind of watching them walk out into the sunset 73 00:06:23,280 --> 00:06:27,680 Jesus actually goes and travels around their cities himself 74 00:06:28,520 --> 00:06:30,960 We see it here in verse one 75 00:06:32,160 --> 00:06:33,880 Jesus is 76 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:41,560 continually an example to his disciples as to how they were to carry out their commission 77 00:06:42,200 --> 00:06:43,920 He goes 78 00:06:43,920 --> 00:06:47,520 He preaches and he teaches and 79 00:06:48,840 --> 00:06:51,120 Church, let me just say never 80 00:06:51,960 --> 00:07:00,320 Underestimate how important your going and sharing and teaching the gospel is with others 81 00:07:00,840 --> 00:07:04,680 Of course, Jesus did signs and wonders and miracles 82 00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:13,040 But those things only ever pointed to the authority and the truth of who he is and the message that he had 83 00:07:13,040 --> 00:07:16,720 And that's because the good news of the kingdom 84 00:07:17,280 --> 00:07:24,080 The gospel the news of Jesus is what saves people the Pharisees they saw 85 00:07:24,680 --> 00:07:26,120 Miracles 86 00:07:26,120 --> 00:07:28,400 Theologians of the day they saw the signs 87 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:34,120 Judas we're told even performed wonders, but none of those things 88 00:07:35,120 --> 00:07:37,480 Ultimately save anyone 89 00:07:37,480 --> 00:07:46,560 No trust in the gospel does and that's something that needs to be shared and taught with others as we go out 90 00:07:46,760 --> 00:07:50,160 Into the context in which we find ourselves 91 00:07:51,160 --> 00:07:58,160 And it's interesting because as the disciples went and they did what they saw Jesus doing 92 00:07:58,160 --> 00:08:07,080 Well, they themselves now became part of preparing the way for the Lord 93 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:13,880 And that phrase are prepare the way for the Lord might seem familiar to you and it should because 94 00:08:14,600 --> 00:08:18,240 That was the job description of John the Baptist 95 00:08:18,800 --> 00:08:24,600 We met him all the way back in chapter 3 where we were introduced to this absolute 96 00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:30,080 Wildebeest of a man who prepared Israel for their Messiah 97 00:08:30,720 --> 00:08:37,600 As you might remember he was arrested and put in prison and we'll come back to him in just a moment 98 00:08:38,480 --> 00:08:41,480 I want you to notice something here this morning 99 00:08:42,200 --> 00:08:50,000 Yes, John the great prophet the great preacher. He was taken off the scene and locked away 100 00:08:50,000 --> 00:09:00,560 But now the Lord had raised 12 other guys to go and prepare Israel to hear from their Messiah 101 00:09:02,640 --> 00:09:04,640 And I want you to see that 102 00:09:04,840 --> 00:09:11,400 Because we must never think that there is anyone in the church who's indispensable to God. I 103 00:09:12,600 --> 00:09:17,000 Remember when Billy Graham the great evangelist when he passed away 104 00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:21,120 I was like who's ever going to go and do that kind of thing again? 105 00:09:21,120 --> 00:09:26,480 I remember when Tim Keller and J.I. Packer and I see sprawl died 106 00:09:26,480 --> 00:09:31,160 I thought who is ever going to teach the Bible like that again. I 107 00:09:32,040 --> 00:09:33,720 Remember even our own 108 00:09:33,720 --> 00:09:43,480 Dear Martin Isles when he left our shores. I thought to myself who is ever going to explain the Australian news to me like that ever again? 109 00:09:43,480 --> 00:09:48,720 You might think of your own influential names, but this is the thing 110 00:09:49,840 --> 00:09:53,200 We're all expendable in God's kingdom 111 00:09:54,240 --> 00:10:01,000 John the Baptist was the most powerful preacher in his day and when he was put in prison 112 00:10:01,480 --> 00:10:03,480 People must have been shocked 113 00:10:04,440 --> 00:10:07,280 But out of what seemed like a hopeless situation 114 00:10:07,280 --> 00:10:14,440 God raised up 12 more guys to take his place so that they could go out and 115 00:10:15,440 --> 00:10:23,200 Prepare the way and spread the gospel even further and wider than John had imagined 116 00:10:23,960 --> 00:10:27,960 And so when once one of God's servants is taken off the scene 117 00:10:27,960 --> 00:10:35,760 We must never panic that the gospel of Jesus Christ is far too important to be lost in this world 118 00:10:35,760 --> 00:10:42,160 Jesus loves his disciples far too much for that to happen 119 00:10:42,840 --> 00:10:49,240 And you can see this love even in the way that our Lord is preparing his disciples 120 00:10:49,720 --> 00:10:51,720 for his departure. I 121 00:10:52,320 --> 00:10:54,720 Don't know about you, but sometimes I think to myself 122 00:10:55,600 --> 00:11:02,160 Things would be so much easier if we physically had Jesus here on earth so that we could 123 00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:06,920 Read his daily tweets and follow him on Facebook live 124 00:11:08,040 --> 00:11:13,880 But Jesus knew for both his immediate audience and for us that 125 00:11:14,440 --> 00:11:18,920 Most of the kingdom mission most of the kingdom work in this world 126 00:11:19,920 --> 00:11:21,920 Wasn't going to be done with Jesus 127 00:11:22,920 --> 00:11:24,920 physically present 128 00:11:24,920 --> 00:11:35,080 Now Jesus knew for his disciples that he was going to depart soon and so he wanted to give them a little taste of what it was going to be 129 00:11:35,720 --> 00:11:39,520 Like what it was going to be like for them when he wasn't there 130 00:11:40,520 --> 00:11:44,480 In other words this commission was real deal 131 00:11:45,120 --> 00:11:46,040 training 132 00:11:46,040 --> 00:11:51,480 The apostles had to do the preaching and they unlike Homer Simpson 133 00:11:51,480 --> 00:11:57,320 Had to live in line with what they were preaching and what they were teaching 134 00:12:00,600 --> 00:12:04,080 It's many of you know I was a drum teacher for about a decade 135 00:12:04,760 --> 00:12:11,080 before I went to Bible college and I mentioned that to you because sitting with a student and 136 00:12:11,640 --> 00:12:17,400 teaching them the great truths of rhythm and groove and music theory 137 00:12:17,400 --> 00:12:26,720 Well, it only goes so far no not until they have sticks in their hands and jump behind the kid and feel the beat 138 00:12:27,280 --> 00:12:33,800 Do they really understand music and what drumming is really all about a 139 00:12:34,360 --> 00:12:42,120 Good teacher tells a good teacher shows and then they get their student to do what they say and do 140 00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:47,960 What they've demonstrated and that's what we're seeing here in just this first verse 141 00:12:49,520 --> 00:12:51,520 Discipleship really hits home 142 00:12:51,680 --> 00:12:59,200 When we as the disciples of Jesus are engaged in the gospel work of the kingdom 143 00:13:00,440 --> 00:13:06,440 Brothers and sisters, it's great to be gathered and come and listen to a sermon on a Sunday 144 00:13:06,440 --> 00:13:13,800 It's great to watch lectures on YouTube and get great theology. These are wonderful things 145 00:13:13,800 --> 00:13:15,280 These are good things 146 00:13:15,280 --> 00:13:21,040 But we learn best by sharing with others and we teach best when we're practicing 147 00:13:21,720 --> 00:13:23,720 What we're preaching now 148 00:13:24,040 --> 00:13:27,800 That's exactly what Jesus calls his disciples to do 149 00:13:28,360 --> 00:13:31,520 He calls them to go and share and live 150 00:13:31,520 --> 00:13:35,560 What they are teaching and preaching 151 00:13:38,200 --> 00:13:41,720 I wonder this morning, who are you sharing with? 152 00:13:42,800 --> 00:13:48,000 It doesn't need to be in depth. It doesn't need to be a Bible college lecture 153 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:51,600 But let me encourage you here this morning brothers and sisters 154 00:13:52,160 --> 00:13:59,440 There is nothing quiet like sharing what you have learned about the gospel from the Bible with others. I 155 00:13:59,440 --> 00:14:04,520 Know lots of people with no formal training who are wonderful 156 00:14:05,040 --> 00:14:09,480 Godly teachers because they've lived out their faith for years 157 00:14:09,480 --> 00:14:13,680 I won't mention names here because I don't want to embarrass anyone 158 00:14:13,680 --> 00:14:19,680 But I personally get so much out of spending time with some of you because of the great wisdom and 159 00:14:20,120 --> 00:14:23,040 insight that you bring from the scriptures 160 00:14:23,880 --> 00:14:25,040 because 161 00:14:25,040 --> 00:14:27,520 You practice what you preach 162 00:14:27,520 --> 00:14:31,760 You live out what you're convicted by 163 00:14:32,680 --> 00:14:38,520 It's a wonderful thing to share Jesus with others and many wonderful gospel truths 164 00:14:39,360 --> 00:14:42,760 really hit home when we are sharing and 165 00:14:43,720 --> 00:14:44,960 teaching 166 00:14:44,960 --> 00:14:46,400 helping and 167 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:48,400 discipling others 168 00:14:48,400 --> 00:14:49,560 and 169 00:14:49,560 --> 00:14:54,960 Our Lord he puts his disciples into that very situation 170 00:14:54,960 --> 00:15:02,480 He essentially said you've heard the gospel you've seen how I've taught and preached now go 171 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:05,000 Go and do the same 172 00:15:05,760 --> 00:15:08,840 go and live what you have heard and 173 00:15:09,440 --> 00:15:12,920 Teach people prepare the way for me 174 00:15:13,760 --> 00:15:19,200 So go and do as I say and do as I do 175 00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:27,120 Now we kind of glossed over him before but after Jesus after he commissioned his 176 00:15:27,960 --> 00:15:33,640 Disciples Matthew brings our attention in our text this morning to another group of disciples 177 00:15:33,640 --> 00:15:38,280 And they were from John the Baptist as we see here in verse 2 178 00:15:39,400 --> 00:15:45,800 Now to set the scene John has been locked away in prison for his preaching and him being in prison 179 00:15:45,800 --> 00:15:50,320 That is no small detail for us to just skip over 180 00:15:51,160 --> 00:15:54,400 You see Josephus a first century 181 00:15:55,400 --> 00:15:56,640 Historian well 182 00:15:56,640 --> 00:16:02,800 He actually wrote about the very prison that John was locked up in a place called Macarus 183 00:16:03,280 --> 00:16:09,120 Now I won't go into all the details here, but essentially ancient prisons of this type 184 00:16:09,360 --> 00:16:14,320 They were cesspools of blood vomit and human excrement 185 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:19,960 And he had probably survived for as long as he had because his disciples 186 00:16:20,480 --> 00:16:26,480 Were allowed to bring him such essential things like food and water 187 00:16:27,400 --> 00:16:31,520 All this to say John is in a really bad place 188 00:16:32,280 --> 00:16:33,600 both 189 00:16:33,600 --> 00:16:35,600 physically and mentally 190 00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:41,560 To the point that he sends his disciples to ask verse 3 191 00:16:41,560 --> 00:16:46,080 Are you the one to come or should we expect? 192 00:16:46,720 --> 00:16:48,720 someone else 193 00:16:50,200 --> 00:16:56,920 Straight off the bat some of you might be a little bit shocked by this whole scene 194 00:16:58,120 --> 00:17:03,960 Because you might remember in the opening chapters of this gospel of Matthew 195 00:17:04,400 --> 00:17:08,120 John is introduced to us as this fearless 196 00:17:08,120 --> 00:17:15,960 Profit standing up to the religious elite and government all the while pointing people to their coming 197 00:17:16,520 --> 00:17:18,520 Messiah 198 00:17:19,080 --> 00:17:21,640 But now as Matthew reports to us 199 00:17:23,160 --> 00:17:26,080 John's locked up like a caged animal and 200 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:33,920 From his prison cell he struggles to see how this Jesus could be the long-awaited Messiah 201 00:17:33,920 --> 00:17:36,760 That he had preached about 202 00:17:38,560 --> 00:17:45,760 Church this shouldn't surprise us in light of what he belted out there in the desert if you remember in chapter 3 203 00:17:46,360 --> 00:17:52,240 He said to the Pharisees and the Sadducees you brood of vipers 204 00:17:52,520 --> 00:17:55,520 Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 205 00:17:56,120 --> 00:17:59,440 Produced fruit in that comes with repentance 206 00:17:59,440 --> 00:18:07,200 The ax is already laid at the root of the trees and every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down 207 00:18:07,200 --> 00:18:12,280 And thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance 208 00:18:12,280 --> 00:18:18,240 But after me comes one who's more powerful than I whose sandals are not even worthy to carry 209 00:18:18,680 --> 00:18:22,280 He'll baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire 210 00:18:22,920 --> 00:18:28,040 His winnowing fork is in his hand and he will clear his threshing floor 211 00:18:28,040 --> 00:18:36,160 gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire 212 00:18:38,440 --> 00:18:41,480 Notice the emphasis in John's preaching there 213 00:18:42,640 --> 00:18:49,680 John saw that when the Messiah came his righteous wrath would utterly hack down 214 00:18:50,520 --> 00:18:53,360 unrepentant hypocrites and sinners 215 00:18:53,360 --> 00:18:55,360 I 216 00:18:56,880 --> 00:18:58,880 Want to be really clear with you this morning 217 00:18:59,960 --> 00:19:05,120 What John was commissioned to preach to Israel was in no way made up 218 00:19:06,560 --> 00:19:10,680 Now there's many passages in the Bible that speak about the Messiah 219 00:19:11,400 --> 00:19:18,160 Coming to judge the wicked and rule in total righteousness. That's certainly going to happen 220 00:19:18,160 --> 00:19:27,920 But it seems that as John heard from his disciples of Jesus's teaching and his preaching and his healing ministry 221 00:19:28,400 --> 00:19:30,400 He's eating with sinners 222 00:19:30,840 --> 00:19:32,840 That he was perplexed 223 00:19:33,960 --> 00:19:42,040 On the one hand John would have not been ignorant to the fact that the Messiah had said of him that he'll come to heal the brokenhearted 224 00:19:42,040 --> 00:19:48,400 But on the other hand Jesus he hadn't walked into Jerusalem like he thought 225 00:19:48,720 --> 00:19:55,280 To overthrow tyranny and take the throne of David all the while setting the world on fire 226 00:19:57,040 --> 00:20:05,680 Something even Jesus's own disciples expected and struggled to understand about the ministry of Jesus 227 00:20:07,560 --> 00:20:09,560 And so John 228 00:20:09,560 --> 00:20:13,240 He sends his disciples to get some answers 229 00:20:15,360 --> 00:20:17,280 Now again 230 00:20:17,280 --> 00:20:21,280 John's preaching was heaven sent in fact 231 00:20:21,280 --> 00:20:26,600 We're going to look at this throughout the next couple of weeks in the rest of this chapter 232 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:29,000 but in saying that John 233 00:20:29,280 --> 00:20:33,280 Emphasis that the emphasis that he had led him to an application 234 00:20:33,280 --> 00:20:40,800 That though was certainly there in the Old Testament was not taking into account other passages 235 00:20:41,040 --> 00:20:45,880 That spoke of the Messiah's servant hood and he doubted 236 00:20:46,880 --> 00:20:50,040 And we're going to see in just a moment how Jesus 237 00:20:50,960 --> 00:20:57,480 So wonderfully takes John right back to the scriptures to help him understand 238 00:20:57,960 --> 00:20:59,960 What he was missing 239 00:20:59,960 --> 00:21:07,360 But before we look at that I want us to pick up on a theme that we see in our text this morning 240 00:21:08,960 --> 00:21:12,000 As we've seen over the past few weeks in the book of Psalms 241 00:21:13,160 --> 00:21:17,600 Doubt is a horrible beast to wrestle with 242 00:21:18,760 --> 00:21:26,320 And we must never be surprised how quickly it rears its ugly head when we go through trials and tests 243 00:21:26,320 --> 00:21:31,040 And he doubt is the enemy of faith and everyone even the most 244 00:21:31,680 --> 00:21:33,680 maturist believers 245 00:21:33,800 --> 00:21:35,800 are prone to it 246 00:21:35,880 --> 00:21:36,840 especially 247 00:21:36,840 --> 00:21:38,840 when hard times hit 248 00:21:39,440 --> 00:21:46,840 John he was a powerful preacher who was commissioned by God to teach Israel 249 00:21:47,400 --> 00:21:53,720 But now as we've seen he found himself doubting Jesus because his hopes in Jesus 250 00:21:53,720 --> 00:21:57,040 Hadn't turned out to what he thought 251 00:21:58,080 --> 00:22:01,400 Jesus wasn't doing what he thought he would do 252 00:22:02,200 --> 00:22:06,400 And on top of that John was now rotting away in prison 253 00:22:07,920 --> 00:22:09,920 Certainly not what he envisioned 254 00:22:10,600 --> 00:22:12,600 happening to himself 255 00:22:13,600 --> 00:22:17,280 And if you'll hear this morning and you're in a place where your 256 00:22:17,280 --> 00:22:22,920 Circumstances are bleak and your hopes have been crushed 257 00:22:23,920 --> 00:22:25,920 Dear friend 258 00:22:26,680 --> 00:22:30,760 It's not surprising that you too might be struggling with doubt 259 00:22:33,040 --> 00:22:35,040 That's not to accuse anyone 260 00:22:35,040 --> 00:22:38,640 That's saying that your faith is based on your circumstances 261 00:22:38,640 --> 00:22:45,080 Please don't hear that being said this morning, but that's not to say that our circumstances 262 00:22:45,080 --> 00:22:48,200 Don't have an effect on our faith 263 00:22:50,280 --> 00:22:54,840 Disappointments dashed hopes broken dreams whatever the case might be 264 00:22:55,680 --> 00:23:02,360 External circumstances can be weighty when it comes to matters of the heart 265 00:23:04,720 --> 00:23:08,520 So those dear those feelings of doubt in that circumstance 266 00:23:08,520 --> 00:23:14,160 As we see here even the greatest prophet to ever live 267 00:23:15,640 --> 00:23:18,000 Struggled when hard times 268 00:23:20,720 --> 00:23:23,120 This is what's so beautiful in this whole thing 269 00:23:24,640 --> 00:23:32,120 We see that John had pretty much hit rock bottom and like David in Psalm 13 that we looked at last week 270 00:23:32,120 --> 00:23:39,240 He may have screamed from the pit how long Lord? 271 00:23:39,240 --> 00:23:44,280 But notice that John asks the right question from that pit of despair 272 00:23:45,600 --> 00:23:47,840 Look again with me at verse 3 273 00:23:48,640 --> 00:23:53,440 Are you the one to come or should we expect someone else? 274 00:23:55,400 --> 00:23:57,400 It's a yes or no answer 275 00:23:57,400 --> 00:24:01,360 There's no if buts or maybes 276 00:24:02,200 --> 00:24:07,360 John wants the answer are you are you or are you not the Messiah? 277 00:24:07,920 --> 00:24:14,600 Because for John for his disciples for us in this very room this morning the answer to that question 278 00:24:14,960 --> 00:24:20,880 Is the most important question of questions that need to be answered? 279 00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:27,480 Because the way in which Jesus goes on to answer this 280 00:24:28,280 --> 00:24:31,640 Well, it leaves us all with a question to answer ourselves 281 00:24:32,120 --> 00:24:37,080 And that question is will you embrace Jesus as the Messiah? 282 00:24:38,320 --> 00:24:43,720 Or will you reject him because he hasn't met your expectations? 283 00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:51,200 Let's have a look at the reply that Jesus gives them in verses 4 and 5 284 00:24:52,720 --> 00:24:57,400 Jesus said go back and report to John what you hear and see 285 00:24:58,160 --> 00:25:00,480 The blind receive sight 286 00:25:01,040 --> 00:25:02,840 The lame walk 287 00:25:02,840 --> 00:25:10,080 Those who have leprosy are cleansed the death here the dead are raised and the good news is 288 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:12,440 proclaimed 289 00:25:12,440 --> 00:25:14,440 to the poor 290 00:25:14,560 --> 00:25:16,560 It's verses 4 and 5 291 00:25:17,400 --> 00:25:19,400 Now we're not going to spend 292 00:25:19,400 --> 00:25:24,840 Oodles of time here because there's so much going on, but I just want to point out to you 293 00:25:25,720 --> 00:25:30,040 That's incredibly interesting that Jesus points these people 294 00:25:30,520 --> 00:25:32,520 straight back to the Bible 295 00:25:32,840 --> 00:25:39,800 And he says essentially think on what the Messiah was prophesied to do 296 00:25:39,800 --> 00:25:45,880 And then go back and report what you see me doing 297 00:25:47,600 --> 00:25:55,040 That's the answer that Jesus gives look at what God said about the Messiah watch and observe me and 298 00:25:55,680 --> 00:25:57,680 Then you have your answer 299 00:25:58,360 --> 00:26:03,680 Now what Jesus is drawing on here is based on the book of Isaiah 300 00:26:03,680 --> 00:26:11,720 But what's so interesting is that the two passages that we're going to have a look at what Jesus alludes to here 301 00:26:11,720 --> 00:26:13,720 Well, it's where judgments and 302 00:26:14,960 --> 00:26:16,040 servitude 303 00:26:16,040 --> 00:26:18,040 Meet at the same time 304 00:26:19,440 --> 00:26:28,240 And so he's answering the question and Jesus leads John and his disciples to another perspective on the passages 305 00:26:29,280 --> 00:26:31,280 In which they've missed 306 00:26:31,280 --> 00:26:33,280 First 307 00:26:34,120 --> 00:26:36,120 Isaiah 35 verses 308 00:26:37,480 --> 00:26:39,480 46 309 00:26:39,480 --> 00:26:42,120 Isaiah 35 verses 46 310 00:26:43,280 --> 00:26:49,920 As I say say to those with fearful hearts be strong and do not fear 311 00:26:50,640 --> 00:26:55,440 Your God will come he will come with vengeance with divine retribution 312 00:26:56,280 --> 00:26:58,560 He will come to save you 313 00:26:58,560 --> 00:27:05,400 Let me just say before we look at the rest of the verse here. John's really got that part down pat 314 00:27:05,920 --> 00:27:10,040 That was pretty much his sermon outline out there in the wilderness 315 00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:14,480 But here what else Isaiah goes on to say and 316 00:27:15,120 --> 00:27:19,360 Where Jesus directs our retention verses five and six 317 00:27:20,400 --> 00:27:23,600 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and 318 00:27:24,200 --> 00:27:26,200 The years of the death 319 00:27:26,200 --> 00:27:32,120 Unstopped then with a lame leap like idea and the mute tongue 320 00:27:32,600 --> 00:27:34,600 shout for joy 321 00:27:35,160 --> 00:27:40,520 Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert 322 00:27:42,320 --> 00:27:44,320 Notice what our Lord is doing there 323 00:27:45,120 --> 00:27:53,120 He's drawing on the very passage that John knew well and preached on but Jesus in his answer 324 00:27:53,120 --> 00:27:57,880 He points out that there's more to the story of the Messiah John 325 00:27:59,080 --> 00:28:05,080 Jesus like Isaiah said would happen had come and he was opening the eyes of the blind 326 00:28:05,840 --> 00:28:07,840 Opening the ears of the death 327 00:28:08,040 --> 00:28:12,600 Healing the lame and he goes further than Isaiah even imagined 328 00:28:13,600 --> 00:28:16,200 In that he was raising the dead 329 00:28:16,200 --> 00:28:23,000 The other passage is one that we heard read out for us already this morning 330 00:28:23,720 --> 00:28:26,600 Isaiah 61 verses one and two 331 00:28:27,800 --> 00:28:29,480 the spirit of 332 00:28:29,480 --> 00:28:34,280 The sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim 333 00:28:34,880 --> 00:28:40,120 Good news to the poor notice that in our text back in Matthew chapter 11 334 00:28:40,320 --> 00:28:42,320 Good news to the poor 335 00:28:42,320 --> 00:28:48,280 He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted to proclaim freedom for the captives and 336 00:28:48,520 --> 00:28:57,520 Release from darkness the prisoners to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God and 337 00:28:58,080 --> 00:29:00,080 to comfort all who mourn 338 00:29:02,480 --> 00:29:05,360 Again church Isaiah knew this passage well 339 00:29:06,360 --> 00:29:09,680 And it may have been the one that really bothered him 340 00:29:09,680 --> 00:29:12,000 Because think about it 341 00:29:12,720 --> 00:29:17,960 This is where Isaiah says the prisoners will be set free 342 00:29:19,280 --> 00:29:20,440 I 343 00:29:20,440 --> 00:29:25,760 suspect that that would have been really hard for John as he sat there in that 344 00:29:26,320 --> 00:29:27,160 dark 345 00:29:27,160 --> 00:29:28,080 damp 346 00:29:28,080 --> 00:29:29,480 prison cell 347 00:29:29,480 --> 00:29:32,440 Changed like an animal waiting to be set free 348 00:29:32,440 --> 00:29:39,120 But again Jesus points to the parts that John hadn't focused on 349 00:29:39,960 --> 00:29:47,520 about the mission of the Messiah in the healing and the proclamation of the good news 350 00:29:49,240 --> 00:29:53,200 Brothers and sisters Jesus teaches us all a powerful lesson this morning 351 00:29:53,200 --> 00:30:00,240 And that's that when doubt creeps in and tries to strangle our faith because of hard circumstances 352 00:30:00,240 --> 00:30:04,960 The word of God is alive and active 353 00:30:05,720 --> 00:30:14,240 And as we're told in the book of Hebrews it penetrates even to the dividing of the soul and spirit joints and marrow 354 00:30:14,960 --> 00:30:20,640 It judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart 355 00:30:22,720 --> 00:30:24,720 You see John's messianic 356 00:30:24,720 --> 00:30:33,120 Expectations didn't line up with what he understood the Bible to say and thus his heart was doubting 357 00:30:33,120 --> 00:30:41,600 And so Jesus deals with John's doubt tenderly and pastorally by helping him to understand the scriptures 358 00:30:41,920 --> 00:30:44,880 in light of the whole picture 359 00:30:44,880 --> 00:30:53,720 In other words Jesus pointed John to the parts that he was missing to encourage him in his circumstances 360 00:30:57,200 --> 00:31:02,720 You may have come to an understanding of Jesus and have at times been somewhat 361 00:31:03,320 --> 00:31:08,760 Disappointed with how you thought things would work out for you as a Christian 362 00:31:08,760 --> 00:31:14,720 But as we see in our passage this morning Jesus showed John 363 00:31:15,520 --> 00:31:19,600 That though he was different to what he expected him to be 364 00:31:20,440 --> 00:31:27,280 Jesus was so much better than John had ever hoped to imagine 365 00:31:27,920 --> 00:31:33,240 And the way that we see Jesus act towards his disciples in this passage 366 00:31:33,840 --> 00:31:37,840 Or to show us something about how he treats his disciples 367 00:31:37,840 --> 00:31:39,840 Even today 368 00:31:40,720 --> 00:31:42,720 Will hard times come? 369 00:31:43,920 --> 00:31:45,360 Absolutely 370 00:31:45,360 --> 00:31:47,360 Will we doubt? 371 00:31:48,440 --> 00:31:50,440 Unfortunately we will 372 00:31:51,160 --> 00:31:53,600 I know that I have 373 00:31:55,360 --> 00:31:59,040 But look at how Jesus deals with his people 374 00:31:59,840 --> 00:32:05,040 He doesn't come down on John like a ton of bricks or rebuke him publicly 375 00:32:05,040 --> 00:32:14,160 For his struggles know he tenderly deals with him by pointing him back to the word and he shows him from the scriptures 376 00:32:14,880 --> 00:32:16,880 What he was missing? 377 00:32:17,120 --> 00:32:21,400 That's what we might call tender gospel encouragement 378 00:32:22,280 --> 00:32:26,280 It's a beautiful pastoral move on behalf of Jesus 379 00:32:27,920 --> 00:32:32,880 But also he gives him tender rebuke in light of the gospel as well 380 00:32:32,880 --> 00:32:38,760 Notice that Jesus ends his whole section by holding out to John 381 00:32:39,440 --> 00:32:41,440 to his disciples 382 00:32:42,280 --> 00:32:44,280 And even to you and me this morning 383 00:32:45,400 --> 00:32:47,400 saying in verse 6 384 00:32:48,000 --> 00:32:52,400 Blessed is anyone who doesn't stumble on account of me 385 00:32:54,840 --> 00:32:56,840 What's the point of our Lord here 386 00:32:56,840 --> 00:33:02,240 Well, we're not gonna understand everything that Jesus does all the time 387 00:33:03,440 --> 00:33:11,120 And so we must be careful not to become bitter and fall away just because some things in this life 388 00:33:11,640 --> 00:33:13,640 Don't make sense to us 389 00:33:14,560 --> 00:33:21,360 Jesus is bigger. He's better than we could ever hope to imagine and Jesus shows us all this morning 390 00:33:22,120 --> 00:33:24,120 That just because we don't understand 391 00:33:24,120 --> 00:33:27,000 some things in the moment 392 00:33:27,600 --> 00:33:29,960 Or what's going on around us 393 00:33:30,800 --> 00:33:34,320 That that's no excuse to ultimately reject him 394 00:33:36,240 --> 00:33:41,960 Brothers and sisters we all struggle all of us from time to time 395 00:33:43,400 --> 00:33:48,840 Maybe you're here this morning and you're really struggling with your faith 396 00:33:50,000 --> 00:33:52,000 you're really struggling with 397 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:58,000 figuring out what is going on and why God is allowing certain things to happen 398 00:34:00,080 --> 00:34:02,080 Well my dear friend 399 00:34:02,200 --> 00:34:06,240 Let this passage be an encouragement to all of us 400 00:34:07,360 --> 00:34:10,680 In your weakness in your despair in your doubt 401 00:34:11,200 --> 00:34:14,520 You have a savior who is mighty to save and 402 00:34:14,520 --> 00:34:21,440 And he will gently and tenderly lead and guide those who come to him 403 00:34:22,680 --> 00:34:28,400 Jesus is not in the business of rejecting those who come to him 404 00:34:29,040 --> 00:34:34,000 No, he came to seek and save the loss and to set the captives free 405 00:34:35,520 --> 00:34:41,000 Something that John certainly is experiencing right at this very moment 406 00:34:41,000 --> 00:34:47,920 So let these words from the apostle Paul be of an encouragement to you this morning from 407 00:34:48,440 --> 00:34:49,920 2nd Timothy 408 00:34:49,920 --> 00:34:53,640 If we died with him, we will also live with him 409 00:34:54,160 --> 00:34:58,120 If we endure we will also reign with him 410 00:34:58,880 --> 00:35:04,720 If we disown him he will also disown us if we're faithless hear this 411 00:35:06,440 --> 00:35:09,120 He remains faithful 412 00:35:09,120 --> 00:35:12,760 For he cannot disown himself 413 00:35:13,760 --> 00:35:17,040 Let's ask the Lord to help us in these things. Would you pray with me? 414 00:35:23,000 --> 00:35:26,680 Lord Jesus we began our time this morning by asking 415 00:35:27,560 --> 00:35:32,120 That you would be held high among us by the work of your spirit through the word 416 00:35:32,120 --> 00:35:40,280 Lord God, you know exactly what's going on in this room with the different hearts and the minds that the hurt 417 00:35:42,000 --> 00:35:44,000 The hope 418 00:35:44,200 --> 00:35:46,200 the crying 419 00:35:46,840 --> 00:35:49,720 The secret sin the things we struggle with 420 00:35:51,160 --> 00:35:57,680 But as you've shown us in your word this morning, we can cry out to you in the pit of despair 421 00:35:57,680 --> 00:36:03,920 Lord Jesus we would ask that you open the eyes of our hearts 422 00:36:04,760 --> 00:36:09,680 That you would enlighten us to the truth of our salvation 423 00:36:11,160 --> 00:36:17,400 Lord you would raise our eyes above our circumstances and through the eternal things to the gospel 424 00:36:18,480 --> 00:36:22,120 That we would seek you above all else 425 00:36:23,040 --> 00:36:25,040 seek first the kingdom 426 00:36:25,040 --> 00:36:31,280 We ask for this with the help of your Holy Spirit because we are too weak to do it ourselves 427 00:36:31,280 --> 00:36:54,280 We ask for this in your name. Amen.