Embracing Christ: Overcoming Doubt and Misplaced Expectations
Summary
In the passage from Matthew 11:2-6, we encounter John the Baptist, a man of great faith and prophetic insight, who finds himself in a moment of doubt and confusion. Imprisoned and isolated, John sends his disciples to Jesus with a poignant question: "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" This inquiry reveals a profound truth about human nature and our relationship with Christ. Even the most devout can experience moments of uncertainty, especially when our expectations of God do not align with His actions.
The core of this message is the challenge of being "offended" by Jesus. To be offended, in this context, means to be scandalized or to stumble over the unexpected ways in which God works. Many were scandalized by Jesus' humble origins, His unconventional ministry, and His ultimate crucifixion. These elements did not fit the preconceived notions of what the Messiah should be. John the Baptist, despite his earlier proclamations about Jesus, struggled with this when he found himself in dire circumstances, expecting a Messiah who would bring immediate political and social change.
This narrative invites us to examine our own expectations of Jesus. Are we, like John, looking for a Savior who fits our personal agendas and desires? Or are we willing to embrace the true nature of Christ, even when it challenges our understanding? Jesus' response to John’s question is not a direct answer but a reminder of the works He is doing—healing the sick, raising the dead, and preaching to the poor. These acts fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament and reveal the true mission of the Messiah: to bring spiritual salvation and transformation.
The challenge for us is to not be offended by the simplicity and humility of Jesus' mission. Instead, we are called to recognize the profound significance of His work and to align our expectations with the reality of His kingdom. In doing so, we find the true blessing of not being scandalized by Him but embracing Him as He is.
Key Takeaways:
- The Nature of Offense: Being offended by Jesus often stems from unmet expectations. Like John the Baptist, we may expect God to act in ways that align with our desires, but true faith requires us to trust in His wisdom and timing, even when it defies our understanding. [02:25]
- The Humility of Christ: Jesus' humble beginnings and ministry were a stumbling block for many. Yet, it is in His humility that we find the true nature of God’s love and grace. Embracing this humility allows us to see the depth of His compassion and the breadth of His mission. [06:46]
- The Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ works—healing, preaching, and raising the dead—are the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Recognizing this helps us understand the continuity of God’s plan and the true purpose of the Messiah, which is spiritual rather than political. [29:23]
- Personal Salvation vs. Worldly Expectations: Many are scandalized by the focus on personal salvation, desiring instead grand political or social change. However, the transformation of individual hearts is the foundation for any lasting change in the world. [39:00]
- The Glory of the Cross: The crucifixion of Jesus is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness. In reality, it is the most glorious act of love and sacrifice, demonstrating the depth of God’s commitment to redeem humanity. Embracing the cross is essential to understanding the full scope of Jesus’ mission. [44:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Matthew 11:2-6
- [01:04] - The Offense of Christ
- [03:32] - John the Baptist's Doubt
- [06:32] - Misunderstanding the Messiah
- [09:01] - Reactions to Jesus' Ministry
- [12:16] - Seeking Answers from Jesus
- [14:08] - The Natural Offense of Sin
- [17:06] - Misplaced Expectations
- [20:37] - The Works of Christ
- [23:59] - Modern Offenses
- [28:19] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [32:39] - The True Picture of the Messiah
- [36:08] - Personal Need and Salvation
- [40:00] - The Significance of Jesus' Works
- [44:29] - The Glory of the Cross
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 11:2-6
Observation Questions:
1. What was John the Baptist's question to Jesus, and why did he ask it? ([05:23])
2. How did Jesus respond to John's inquiry, and what was the significance of His response? ([28:19])
3. What were some of the reasons people were offended by Jesus according to the sermon? ([09:14])
4. How does the sermon describe the reaction of the world to Jesus' humble beginnings and ministry? ([06:46])
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might John the Baptist have had expectations of Jesus that were not met, leading to his doubt? ([17:39])
2. How does the sermon suggest that unmet expectations can lead to being "offended" by Jesus? ([02:25])
3. In what ways does the sermon explain the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus' works? ([29:23])
4. How does the sermon interpret the significance of Jesus' crucifixion as a glorious act rather than a sign of weakness? ([44:29])
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your expectations of God did not align with His actions. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([05:44])
2. Are there aspects of Jesus' life or teachings that you find challenging or offensive? How can you reconcile these with your faith? ([09:14])
3. How can you embrace the humility of Christ in your daily life, especially when it challenges your understanding or expectations? ([06:46])
4. In what ways can you align your expectations with the reality of Jesus' kingdom, focusing on spiritual transformation rather than worldly change? ([39:00])
5. How does understanding the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus' works strengthen your faith in God's plan? ([29:23])
6. Consider the significance of the cross in your life. How does embracing the glory of Jesus' sacrifice impact your relationship with Him? ([44:29])
7. Identify an area in your life where you might be seeking a Savior who fits your personal agenda. How can you shift your focus to embrace the true nature of Christ? ([23:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Unseen Wisdom
In moments of doubt, even the faithful can struggle with unmet expectations of God. John the Baptist, a man of great faith, found himself questioning Jesus' identity when his circumstances did not align with his expectations of the Messiah. This highlights a profound truth about human nature: our faith can be challenged when God's actions do not match our desires. True faith requires trusting in God's wisdom and timing, even when it defies our understanding. Jesus' response to John's inquiry was not a direct answer but a reminder of His works—healing the sick, raising the dead, and preaching to the poor. These acts reveal the true mission of the Messiah: to bring spiritual salvation and transformation. [02:25]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: What is one expectation you have of God that has not been met? How can you begin to trust in His wisdom and timing today?
Day 2: Embracing the Humility of Christ
Jesus' humble beginnings and ministry were a stumbling block for many, including those who expected a grandiose Messiah. Yet, it is in His humility that we find the true nature of God's love and grace. Embracing this humility allows us to see the depth of His compassion and the breadth of His mission. Jesus' life and ministry challenge us to look beyond worldly measures of success and power, inviting us to find strength in humility and service. By recognizing the significance of Jesus' humble approach, we can better understand the profound impact of His mission on our lives and the world. [06:46]
Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV): "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility in your daily interactions, following the example of Christ?
Day 3: Recognizing the Fulfillment of Prophecy
The works of Jesus—healing, preaching, and raising the dead—are the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Recognizing this helps us understand the continuity of God's plan and the true purpose of the Messiah, which is spiritual rather than political. Jesus' mission was not to overthrow governments but to transform hearts and lives. By acknowledging the fulfillment of these prophecies, we can appreciate the depth of God's plan for humanity and the spiritual transformation that Jesus offers. This understanding invites us to align our expectations with the reality of His kingdom and to embrace the spiritual salvation He provides. [29:23]
Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy change your understanding of His mission and your role in His kingdom?
Day 4: Personal Salvation as the Foundation for Change
Many are scandalized by the focus on personal salvation, desiring instead grand political or social change. However, the transformation of individual hearts is the foundation for any lasting change in the world. Jesus' mission was to bring spiritual salvation and transformation, which begins with the individual. By focusing on personal salvation, we can become agents of change in our communities and the world. This perspective challenges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and to recognize the impact that transformed lives can have on society. [39:00]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to focus on your personal spiritual growth, and how might this impact your community?
Day 5: The Glory of the Cross
The crucifixion of Jesus is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness. In reality, it is the most glorious act of love and sacrifice, demonstrating the depth of God's commitment to redeem humanity. Embracing the cross is essential to understanding the full scope of Jesus' mission. The cross represents the ultimate expression of God's love and the means by which we are reconciled to Him. By embracing the cross, we can experience the transformative power of God's love and grace in our lives, leading us to live in a way that reflects His sacrifice and commitment to humanity. [44:29]
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Reflection: How can you embrace the message of the cross in your daily life, allowing it to transform your actions and relationships?
Quotes
Now here in this incident we have focused what is in many ways the great picture which is presented to us by the four gospels and the picture presented by the gospels is one of great tragedy it is the tragedy of course of the way in which the world reacted to the Son of God our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [00:01:17]
It means to be scandalized and that means of course to be astonished in a bad sense, scandalized regarded as something offensive blessed he says is he whosoever shall not be scandalized by me and by what he sees in me now that is I say the great thing unfortunately which is revealed to us in the page of the Gospel. [00:02:30]
There were many who were scandalized by his very person I mean by that that the fact that he'd been born in such lonly circumstances born in such utter poverty born in a stable and that he was a man who had been brought up in Nazareth up in Galilee not in Jerusalem and that he was only a carpenter man working with his hands an ordinary Workman. [00:06:46]
There were many who were scandalized I say by what he didn't do they thought he was going to do certain things he didn't do them and they were offended by him there were others who were equally scandalized by what he did do you know it's an extraordinary thing our Lord himself puts it here so perfectly. [00:07:44]
The Pharisees and scribes were infuriated by it and the more he taught the more they were offended and the more they were scandalized at his searching preaching concerning the law at the way he examined the very depth of their hearts and exposed the iniquity and the foulness they hated him there were those who were offended by his gentleness. [00:09:14]
Even the disciples were offended by that our Lord prophesied it he said you know this night shall have not passed until you all shall be offended in me and they were they didn't understand that they said but oh he's apparently weak and helpless we've seen him coming the storm on the Seas stopping the Raging of the Gale. [00:10:06]
The natural thing for the natural men to do is to be offended in him so the man who is a Christian is an exception and he is an exception by not doing the natural thing he's not reacting to Christ as everybody does by nature Everybody by Nature reacts against Christ rejects him he came unto his own and his own received him not. [00:14:39]
People are stumbled by the Lord Jesus Christ as the result of sin because it makes them expect the wrong things from him art thou he that should come or do we look for another why did John ask the question John would said these great things about him well there's no trouble about answering this at all. [00:17:20]
John of course as a Jew had fallen victim to the common Jewish error with regard to the Messiah they were all expecting the Messiah John above all that prophets had written they had found it in their Psalms it was everywhere Moses had said God's going to raise up a man like unto me that's the one to listen to The Prophet that is to come. [00:18:42]
These very things that I'm doing are the very things that the Old Testament prophets prophesied that I would do what did they prophesy well go and read Isaiah 35 go and read Isaiah 55 what does the prophet say about the day of Messiah he says when he comes the blind will have sight the lame men will leap like a heart and so on. [00:29:23]
The trouble is still the same I'll tell you why men and women are in trouble about Jesus Christ tonight it is because they've painted their own picture of him instead of going to the Bible and looking at him he is here he is presented ah but you say I read my Bible yes I know you do but like John the Baptist and the Jews. [00:34:48]
He didn't die because he was weak he died because he came to die he could have been carried to Heaven by a legion of angels He could have been protected by the Heavenly hosts he didn't he came to die I it is his mission he didn't come to reform the world he has come to save men and women out of the world and he came to die in order to do so. [00:44:29]
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