Open Your Eyes, Ears, and Share Your Faith

 

Summary

In times of discouragement and doubt, it’s easy to question whether Jesus is truly who He claims to be. Even John the Baptist, a man of great faith, found himself in a dark place—literally and spiritually—wondering if Jesus was the promised Messiah. When John sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly, Jesus didn’t simply say “yes.” Instead, He pointed to the evidence: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Jesus invites us to open our eyes and see the works of God all around us, both in the miraculous and in the everyday.

God’s supernatural work is not limited to the spectacular. The very fabric of creation, the healing of our bodies, and the tapestry of our life stories all bear witness to His hand. Sometimes, we overlook the miraculous because it becomes familiar, but if we look closely, we see God’s faithfulness in every season—through healing, provision, and guidance. The most profound miracle is the healing of our hearts: forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and the gift of new life in Christ.

But seeing is only part of the journey. Jesus also calls us to open our ears—to listen to His words, which are filled with authority and wisdom. His teaching is the foundation for faith, and we have the privilege of hearing His voice through Scripture, worship, and the community of believers. Neglecting these opportunities weakens our faith, leaving us unprepared for life’s inevitable challenges.

Finally, Jesus commissions us to go and tell others what we have seen and heard. Sharing our experiences of God’s work not only blesses others but also strengthens our own faith. As we testify to God’s goodness, our confidence in Him grows, and our doubts diminish. The call is simple yet profound: open your eyes, open your ears, and go and tell.

Key Takeaways

- Doubt is not a sign of weak faith, but an invitation to seek evidence of God’s work. Even John the Baptist, called the greatest by Jesus, experienced doubt in his darkest moments. Jesus responded not with rebuke, but by pointing to tangible evidence of God’s power and fulfillment of prophecy. When doubts arise, look for the ways God is moving in your life and in the world around you. [02:33]

- God’s supernatural work is woven into the ordinary and the extraordinary. The miracles of Jesus were signs, but so too are the everyday healings, provisions, and guidance we experience. Often, we miss the miraculous because we’ve grown accustomed to it, but every breath, every healing, and every answered prayer is a testament to God’s ongoing involvement in our lives. [11:01]

- The greatest healing is the transformation of the heart. Physical healings are significant, but the most profound miracle is the forgiveness and renewal Jesus brings. He takes our brokenness and sin and makes us whole, offering spiritual life and righteousness in exchange for our failures. Reflecting on this inner transformation strengthens faith and gratitude. [14:04]

- Hearing God’s voice requires intentional listening and engagement. Jesus’ words carry unique authority and wisdom, and we have access to them through Scripture and the gathered church. Regularly immersing ourselves in God’s Word and community is essential for a resilient faith, especially when trials come. Neglecting these disciplines leads to spiritual weakness and vulnerability. [21:51]

- Sharing what God has done in your life strengthens both you and others. Jesus instructs us not only to see and hear, but also to go and tell. As we share our stories of God’s faithfulness, our own confidence in Him grows, and we become instruments of hope and encouragement to a world in need. Testimony is both a privilege and a means of deepening our trust in Christ. [27:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:19] - Wrestling with Doubt and Discouragement
[02:33] - John the Baptist’s Question from Prison
[04:51] - Jesus’ Response: Evidence, Not Just Words
[05:30] - Faith and Evidence: Thomas and the Disciples
[07:55] - Fulfillment of Isaiah’s Prophecy
[10:09] - Misunderstanding Jesus’ Mission
[11:01] - Seeing the Supernatural in the Everyday
[14:04] - The Deeper Healing: Our Hearts
[16:32] - God’s Guidance in Life’s Details
[18:55] - Recognizing God’s Hand in Our Stories
[21:17] - The Authority of Jesus’ Words
[21:51] - Hearing God’s Voice Today
[24:23] - The Danger of Neglecting God’s Word
[25:14] - Preparing for Trials Through Faith
[27:05] - Go and Tell: Sharing What You’ve Seen and Heard

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Matthew 11:1-6 (NIV)
After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

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### Observation Questions

1. What specific evidence did Jesus give to John’s disciples to answer the question about whether He was the Messiah? (Matthew 11:4-5)
2. According to the sermon, what was John the Baptist’s situation when he sent his disciples to Jesus? [02:33]
3. How did Jesus respond differently than simply saying “yes” to John’s question? What did He point to instead? [04:51]
4. What does Jesus say about those who do not fall away on account of Him? (Matthew 11:6)

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why might Jesus have chosen to point to His works rather than just giving a direct answer to John’s question? What does this reveal about faith and evidence? [04:51]
2. The sermon mentions that even John the Baptist, a man of great faith, experienced doubt. What does this suggest about the nature of doubt in the Christian life? [02:33]
3. The miracles Jesus lists (the blind see, the lame walk, etc.) are also fulfillments of Old Testament prophecy. How does this connection help strengthen faith in Jesus as the Messiah? [09:03]
4. The sermon says that the greatest healing is the transformation of the heart. Why is this considered more significant than physical healing? [14:04]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that doubt is not a sign of weak faith, but an invitation to seek evidence of God’s work. When have you experienced doubt, and what evidence of God’s work helped you during that time? [02:33]
2. Jesus invites us to “open our eyes” to see God’s hand in both the miraculous and the everyday. What is one ordinary thing in your life that you now recognize as God’s provision or faithfulness? [11:01]
3. The pastor shared personal stories of God’s guidance and provision in his life. Can you recall a time when you saw God’s hand at work in your own story, even if it was only clear in hindsight? [18:55]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of “opening our ears” to hear God’s voice through Scripture, worship, and community. What is one practical step you can take this week to be more intentional about listening to God? [21:51]
5. The pastor warned that neglecting God’s Word and community can weaken our faith. Are there any habits or routines you need to adjust to make space for God’s voice in your life? [24:23]
6. Jesus calls us to “go and tell” what we have seen and heard. Who is one person you could share a story of God’s faithfulness with this week? What might hold you back from sharing, and how can you overcome that? [27:05]
7. The sermon says that sharing our experiences of God’s work not only blesses others but also strengthens our own faith. How have you experienced your faith growing when you’ve shared your testimony or heard someone else’s? [27:05]

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Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Invites Us to Examine the Evidence of His Work
When doubts and discouragement come, Jesus does not ask for blind faith but invites us to look at the evidence of His work in the world and in our lives. He pointed John the Baptist’s disciples to the miracles and the good news being proclaimed, showing that faith is not a leap into darkness but a response to what God is actively doing. Even in our own struggles, we are called to open our eyes and see the ways God is at work, both in the extraordinary and the everyday, so that our faith may be strengthened and our doubts addressed. [04:51]

Matthew 11:1-6 (ESV)
When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Reflection: Where have you seen God at work in your life recently—big or small—and how might remembering these moments help you face your current doubts or discouragements?


Day 2: God’s Promises Fulfilled in Jesus
Jesus’ ministry fulfilled the ancient prophecies of Isaiah, demonstrating that He is the promised Messiah who brings healing, restoration, and good news. The works Jesus performed—giving sight to the blind, making the lame walk, cleansing lepers, and preaching to the poor—were not random acts but the very signs foretold by the prophets, confirming that God’s promises are trustworthy and that Jesus is the Savior we can rely on. [09:03]

Isaiah 35:5-6 (ESV)
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.

Reflection: What promise of God from Scripture do you need to trust more deeply today, knowing that Jesus has already fulfilled so many of God’s words?


Day 3: Open Your Eyes to God’s Hand in Everyday Life
God’s supernatural work is not limited to dramatic miracles; it is woven throughout the ordinary events of our lives. From physical healing to the way God orchestrates relationships, opportunities, and even challenges, His hand is evident if we take time to look back and reflect. Recognizing God’s faithfulness in the tapestry of our own stories can lift us up, strengthen our faith, and remind us that He is always at work, even when we do not see it in the moment. [16:32]

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV)
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Reflection: Take a few minutes to recall a specific time when God worked things out for your good in a way you only recognized later—how does that memory encourage you today?


Day 4: Open Your Ears to the Voice of Jesus
Hearing the words of Jesus is essential for a strong and enduring faith. Jesus’ teaching carries unique authority and wisdom, and we are invited to listen attentively, not just to stories of His miracles but to His message that brings life. Regularly engaging with Scripture, worship, and teaching allows God’s voice to penetrate our hearts, preparing us to stand firm when trials come and to grow in our relationship with Him. [21:51]

Matthew 11:15 (ESV)
He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can make space today to listen more closely to God’s voice—through Scripture, prayer, or worship?


Day 5: Go and Tell What You Have Seen and Heard
Faith is not meant to be kept to ourselves; sharing what God has done in our lives with others not only blesses them but also strengthens our own faith. Jesus calls us to go and tell the world what we have seen and heard, spreading the good news and encouraging others to trust in Him. As we testify to God’s work, our confidence in Him grows, and we become part of His mission to bring hope and salvation to a world in need. [27:05]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Reflection: Who is one person you can share a story of God’s faithfulness with this week, and how might that conversation encourage both of you?

Quotes

Sometimes when we are in the midst of discouraging or difficult circumstances, the evil one takes advantage and begins to attack. We can begin to wonder whether or not this Jesus stuff is really real. Was Jesus really the anointed Son of God who rose from the dead and has the power to change our lives, or was he just some misguided moralist who got himself crucified, who has no real application for those of us who are living in the 21st century? [00:00:22]
Even those whose faith is strong may sometimes in a weak moment question their own faith and grow discouraged. One man of Herculean faith whom our Lord Jesus called the greatest man ever born to a woman during a low point in his life asked Jesus point-blank whether or not Jesus was the Messiah, the expected one, the Savior of the world, the Christ or should they expect someone else. [00:01:35]
To doubts and questions, Jesus responds by saying, open your eyes. When Jesus was asked if he were the one, that is, if he were the Messiah, the Savior, the anointed one, Jesus could have simply said yes. Go back and tell John yes. And he would have been right. That would have been an accurate answer to the question. But Jesus didn't do that. Instead, he said, open your eyes. Tell John what you are hearing and seeing. Jesus doesn't ask us to believe without giving us evidence. [00:04:51]
Now it's true that those who can believe without seeing enjoy a special blessedness. When the Apostle Thomas saw the risen Jesus. A week after the resurrection day, when he was with the other disciples, when Jesus appeared, Thomas saw Jesus and he responded by saying, My Lord and my God. And Jesus, if you remember, said to him, You believe because you have seen. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. [00:05:35]
There is evidence for belief as well. Some people scoff at that. A widespread misconception is that people of faith have no evidence. They simply make a leap of faith into the darkness. But that is not the case. [00:06:21]
There was evidence of Christ's resurrection and it convinced them. In fact, it turned them around. It turned their cowardice into courage to proclaim the good news wherever they had opportunity and to follow the risen Jesus to the point of martyrdom based on the evidence they were given of who Jesus was and is. The evidence is there for those who will open their eyes and see it. [00:07:46]
So when Jesus responds to John's question, he alludes to Isaiah's description of the events that will take place during the time of the Messiah. So John will know this is the fulfillment of that Isaiahic prophecy. From Isaiah 35, 5 and 6, it says, Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer and the mute tongue shout for joy. [00:09:03]
Maybe in John's knowledge of that prophecy from Isaiah, maybe he thought he would have his prison opened. Maybe he thought Jesus would have rescued him from that dungeon by now. And when it didn't happen, and perhaps John doubted, but what it tells us is that even John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus himself, misunderstood the true spiritual nature of Jesus' mission. [00:09:52]
Do you want to see something supernatural? Then just look around. Everything is supernatural. You see, God created everything out of nothing. None of what you see is natural. It is supernatural because God did it. It's just that we see it all of the time. We've grown so accustomed to it that we think of it as natural, if you will. But it certainly is not. [00:10:45]
If it occurs with enough frequency, the extraordinary becomes ordinary, and we no longer think of it as miraculous. [00:11:17]
Do you want to see a healing then look in the mirror you remember i told you a couple of weeks ago the lord has healed each of us a hundred times over god doesn't always heal our bodies but we've all been cut and broken a hundred different ways that god has healed and sometimes he leaves something to remind us of that. [00:11:55]
God in her time of trial and need was revealing to her that he is the God of all healing that he can heal us temporarily or permanently and so as he was preparing to heal her permanently he revealed his power again in healing that incision what kind of submission very very keen amazing BLtemporarily to build her faith to give her peace that's the kind of God we serve. [00:14:12]
All of these things that I'm talking about all of these things we can see the healings that God does in our own bodies are all well and good but more importantly than any of these is that Jesus has healed my heart he's forgiven the sin that blackened my heart he has made me whole again by his sacrifice on the cross he has raised me to spiritual life again and given me his righteousness for my sinfulness he has healed my heart the most important healing and I would dare to say the most difficult healing that could possibly be accomplished has he healed your heart. [00:14:46]
If he has then open your eyes and see it and let it strengthen your faith and lift you up look back on the works of God in your life and have faith open your eyes and see how God has woven the tapestry of the events of your life together and blessed you in ways that exceed expectation, explanation, and expectation. [00:15:39]
Open your eyes and learn to see the hand of God in your life and when you do your doubts about Jesus will begin to fade your commitment to Jesus will grow to questions and doubts Jesus says open your eyes but he also says open your ears Jesus told his questioners tell John what you are hearing and seeing. [00:19:47]
Jesus didn't just walk around healing people in fact his healing ministry was secondary to his teaching ministry the miracles were said secondary to his teaching and preaching ministry. Because the miracles were signs and proofs that he was who he claimed to be, that he was indeed speaking truth so the people would listen and believe what Jesus was telling them and be saved. Respond in faith. [00:20:33]
The Gospels tell us that those who heard him were astonished because he taught with authority in his voice. Like he knew what he was talking about. His words were dripping with the wisdom and the power of God himself. And we have those words right here in our very hands. We can read those words. We can see that no one has ever spoken as Jesus spoke. We can have those words penetrate our lives just as they penetrated his hearers in that day. Open your ears and hear the word of God. [00:21:21]
If you don't continually listen to the voice of God and look for the hand of God in your life, your faith will diminish. And when those hard times come, when you find yourself in the dark. of the dungeon when the evil one throws these questions at you you won't be prepared your faith will be shaken so open your eyes open your ears prepare yourself for the hard times that come upon all of us in this earthly life so that you can trust the God of this universe has spoken truthfully when he has made these promises to you don't let your faith grow cold open your ears and hear the word of God. [00:25:02]
To those who can see and can hear Jesus says go and tell he says go and tell John what you're hearing and seeing to us he says go and tell a world what you are hearing and seeing a world that is lost those of us who have a mature faith a sincere commitment to the things of God and the work of God need to spread the news of Jesus Christ to a lost world that is bound for destruction we need to preach the good news to the poor as it were and the more we do it, the greater our confidence will be, the stronger our faith will become. Telling others about Jesus strengthens my faith. It will do the same for you. Try it. [00:26:02]
So how do we deal with questions about doubts and questions about Jesus? Jesus himself said we should open our eyes to what God is doing in our lives, open our ears to hear the voice of God in our lives, and then go and tell others what we're hearing and what we're seeing. That's it. [00:26:58]
So he who has ears to hear, let him hear what God's Spirit is saying to his church. [00:27:22]

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