Jesus and John the Baptist - Matthew 11:1-19
Understand It
- What did Jesus do while His disciples were out on their mission trip? (11:1)
- What message or question did John the Baptist send to Christ from prison? (11:2-3)
- What instructions did Jesus give to John’s messenger? (11:4)
- What kind of proof did Jesus offer to establish His claim to be the Messiah? (11:5)
- What things did Jesus say John the Baptist was not? (11:7)
- How did Jesus identify John? (11:9-10)
- What high compliment did Jesus pay John? (11:11)
- Why was John’s life and ministry significant? (11:10)
- What did Jesus claim about the kingdom of heaven? (11:12)
- Whose prophetic role did Jesus say John was fulfilling? (11:14)
- How did Jesus compare His generation to children? (11:16-17)
- What criticism did John the Baptist receive? Why? (11:18)
- What frequent charge was leveled at Jesus? Why? (11:19)
Apply It
- What words of comfort could you share this week with a Christian who happens to be dealing with doubt?
- What specific actions can you take today to strengthen a weak area of faith?
- What immature attitude or action do you need to change today in order to develop more fully in your faith?
Woe on Unrepentant Cities - Matthew 11:20-24
Understand It
- After His praise of John, what did Jesus begin to do? (11:20)
- Who was Jesus condemning? (11:20)
- Why was Jesus denouncing the cities in which He performed most of His miracles? (11:20)
- What two cities did Jesus condemn first? Why? (11:21)
- How did Jesus say Korazin and Bethsaida were different from Tyre and Sidon? (11:21)
- What did Jesus say would happen on the day of judgment? (11:22)
- What city did Jesus single out for comparison with Sodom? (11:23)
- What did Jesus predict for Capernaum? (11:23)
- Why did Capernaum have a bleak future? (11:23)
- To what ancient, evil city did Jesus compare Capernaum? Why? (11:23-24)
- What city did Jesus say would face the sterner judgment than Sodom? Why? (11:24)
Apply It
- What specific sin do you need to repent of today?
- What are three things you could do this week to be a brighter light for Christ in your city or town?
- In light of the certain judgment of God, what step could you take this week to reach a lost neighbor or friend?
Rest for the Weary - Matthew 11:25-30
Understand It
- After pronouncing woe on several unrepentant cities, what did Jesus do? (11:25)
- When did Jesus pray? (11:25)
- How did Jesus address God? (11:25)
- Why did Jesus say He was praising God? (11:25)
- What did Jesus say God had entrusted or committed to Him? (11:27)
- Who alone did Jesus say knew Him? (11:27)
- Besides himself, who did Jesus say could know God? (11:27)
- Who claimed to reveal God to the world? (11:27)
- What general invitation did Christ make at this time? (11:28)
- What kind of people was Jesus addressing? (11:28)
- What promise did Jesus make to those who would accept His offer? (11:28)
- What farming imagery did Jesus use to encourage people to come to Him? (11:29)
- How did Jesus describe Himself? (11:29)
- How is walking with Christ described? (11:30)
Apply It
- What are two specific ways you can work with Christ tomorrow instead of going in your own direction?
- Besides praying, what are some ways you can get to know your Father in heaven more intimately this week?
- What burdens will you entrust to Christ today?
