Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
WEBPAGE: victoryfellowshipministries.com
CLASS TWELVE: Jesus Praises John the Baptist
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to MATTHEW 11:1–30
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. Jesus Responds to John the Baptist (vv. 1-6)
a. Verse 1 concludes the second discourse in Matthew’s gospel.
b. Why would John wonder if Jesus was “the One?”
c. (vv. 4-5) How does Jesus respond? (See Isaiah 35:5-6)
d. (vs. 6) Compare different translations of this verse. What does Jesus mean?
IV. Jesus Praises John the Baptist (vv. 7-15)
a. (vv. 7-9) What is Jesus revealing about John in the questions He asks the crowd?
b. (vs. 10) Jesus is quoting Malachi 3:1
c. (vs. 11) This is a two-part statement. What is Jesus saying about John? What is He saying about the “least in the Kingdom?” (See Matthew 13:16-17 and 1 Peter 1:10-12)
d. (vs 12) What do you think Jesus means by this statement?
e. (vv. 13-15) Jesus confirms John was the greatest prophet to date. (See Malachi 4:5)
V. An Apathetic Generation (vv. 16-24)
a. (vv. 16-19a) How does the illustration of the children’s games relate to how the people responded to John the Baptist and Jesus?
b. (vs. 19b) Here Jesus identifies as the Eternal Wisdom spoken of by the Jewish interpreters. (See Proverbs 8:32-36)
c. (vv. 20-24) These verse reveal that the gospel writers did not record ALL of what Jesus did. (John 21:25). We do know of an account in Bethsaida – Mark 8:22-26.
d. What do Jesus’ comments here reveal about the final judgement - and suggest about heavenly reward?
VI. The Son Reveals the Father and Gives Rest (vv. 25-30)
a. (vv. 25-26) Who is Jesus talking to?
b. (vs. 27) Jesus describes His relationship to the Father.
i. See John 7:28-29; 10:14-15; 17:25-26
c. (vs. 28) Jesus is referring to those burdened with sin. (See Isaiah 1:4; Psalm 38:1-9)
d. (vs. 29) Jesus is quoting Jeremiah 6:16.
e. (vv. 28-30) Jesus’ statements seem to recall Jewish wisdom literature where personified wisdom offers advice. Jesus seems to suggest that He is the eternal Wisdom of God that acted on Yahweh’s behalf to create the world.
i. See The Wisdom of Sirach
VII. Application
a. In our moments of doubt, it is ok to question God about His plans and to seek comfort from the Holy Spirit. (James 1:5)
b. Christians experience the resurrected Jesus in a way that the prophets longed for and the angels marveled at. (Hebrews 11:13; 1st Peter 1:10-12)
c. Apathy in our faith is a dangerous slippery slope. The bible suggests that there is a greater judgement for those who are exposed to the gospel and do nothing about it. (Revelation 3:15-17)
d. Jesus took the burden of our sin that we may have everlasting life. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Final Comments and/or Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Lord of the Sabbath - Read Matthew 12:1-50 to prepare.
