Book of Matthew - Lesson 15

(Read Matthew 11:1-30)

Introduction: In the Eleventh chapter of Matthew, we find John the Baptist sending for  Jesus and asking Him about  his identity.   Jesus answers him and then explains to the people concerning John's  character and his mission

1.Vs. 1-6:John inquires of Jesus --whether He is the one or should another be found. Jesus gives an illustration to be conveyed to John . The sick are healed, etc.

2. Vs. 7-15 Then Jesus explains to the people  who John was and what was his mission, showing that he was the one Isaiah had pointed to –to make the way for the Messiah. He says that a greater man has not been on the scene than John, and yet, the least in the kingdom is greater than John. Of course that is a great point: All should see the value of being in the kingdom.

3. Vs. 16-19 Jesus turns His attention to the childishness of the people. Noting  that they seek to be pleased like children playing. On one hand they didn't accept John because he was too crud for them , not eating and drinking. So, they said He has a devil. Yet, when  He came eating and drinking with sinners and associated with them socially they classify Him as a "gluttonous" man; a "winebibber and a friend of publicans and sinners." Responding to them, he charged them as not being very wise,for but wisdom stand out, as people exhibit it in their conduct.

4.Vs 20-24, Jesus upbraids the cities  where many of His "mighty deeds" had been performed! They had failed to "repent" at His teaching. He specifies two cities, saying they had greater opportunities than the two cities they despised--Tyre and Sidon-- and had those cities had the opportunity these had they would have repented! He points to Capernaum, which had been privileged to hear and repent, and had not. He compares them to  Sodom!  

5. Vs. 25-27 He praises the Father for making the message understandable to babes, which the intellectuals and proud leaders cast it off.

6. Vs. 28-30 He extends an invitation to all those burdened down with sin, that they can come and He promises them rest, claiming that His yoke is easy and His burden light. He calls upon them to take "His yoke and learn of Him, saying that He is meek and lowly in heart."