Bible Chapter: Matthew 11

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Matthew 11 starts out with a story that has always amazed me.  John the Baptist had been in a powerful ministry. He clearly and boldly proclaimed the truth of God’s Word.  He never backed down from telling the truth.  And yet, even John had hard times and periods of doubt.  He had been arrested for telling Herod he was sinning.  Herod wouldn’t put up with that and locked John up.  In this setting, John sent word to the One whom he had previously proclaimed as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world asking if He really was the One who was to come.
    The answer that Jesus gave to John’s query is telling.  The proof of the reality of Jesus and His power is in the supernatural results.  The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor hear the gospel.  Jesus proved who He was by the results of His ministry.  God is still proving Himself by the displays of His power.
    A lesson learned from John the Baptist is to never compromise.  There are people who can impact our lives here on earth but they cannot take our eternity.  John didn’t let popular opinion change truth.  Eternal truth is not determined by the latest opinion poll.  Jesus said that judgement would be coming.  When judgement comes there will only be honest judging of people and their responses in life.  Those who deserve it will be punished.
    This chapter ends with an awesome passage.  Jesus invited all to come who are weary and overburdened and He will give them rest.  We are to connect with Jesus and find that He is there to help us through.  We don’t have to carry the whole burden alone, for His is there.  When life gets hard, be reminded that Jesus is there to carry you through.  This is the thinking behind the famous poem about footprints in the sand.

2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Don’t compromise divine truth and teaching.  It has been said that believers are to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.  Some churches today are only looking at what is popular and modifying their teachings and beliefs to conform to the latest opinions.  John didn’t do that.  It cost him his life but he won the battle.
    I need to continually run to Jesus for His strength.  Jesus said that we can yoke up with Him and see His strength.  Paul wrote in one of his letters that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.  So, I need to get close to Jesus and stay there.

3.  How can I help someone?
    If I don’t compromise truth, I will have something to give to people when they are in need.  The wimpy doctrine some churches espouse doesn’t help when the real battles rise up.  If I have a solid walk with Jesus then I have something to share.  I can encourage them to reach out to Jesus to get help in time of need.  Jesus often shows His power by ministering to unbelievers.