Matthew 11:11……….Working

Matthew 11:11……….Working

11:11 I tell you the truth Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; (Not character, conduct, or miracles, but in calling in preparing the way for the Lord.) yet he who is least (least-Christian, New-convert) in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (As disciplined, devoted, fearless, obedient as John was he still falls short.  Why? Because grace elevates. Grace transforms. Grace gives what effort can never earn.)  (For Complete Expository Get the Book)

Extended Sermons

“Teaches how God can work through ordinary people no matter their history, background, education, or limitations.” → Greatness in the kingdom is rooted in God’s power, not human qualification. The very things we think disqualify us are often the very places where God displays His strength. God delights in taking overlooked, underestimated, and unlikely people and using them to accomplish eternal purposes. God looks beyond a persons weakness, brokenness, and ordinariness.  People who seem insignificant may be the very place where God is doing His deepest work. Because of this, we should be slow to dismiss ourselves or others based on weakness, failure, or appearance. Instead, we can trust that God is able to use imperfect people for meaningful purposes. This calls us to walk in humility, extend grace, and remain open to the ways God may be working where we least expect it. Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God has always used imperfect people. The power of ministry has never rested in flawless personalities, but in the strength and faithfulness of God. When we remember this, we are guarded from putting too much confidence in people and also from losing heart when their humanity becomes visible.

“Even today, we have greater spiritual privileges. We have greater light, hope, joy, peace. We have the Good News of  the Gospel. We have the fulfilment of scriptures. We have direct access to the Father. We have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.”  ⇒ Along with all of these, we have Adoption as sons and daughters of God. We are assured that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. We no longer approach God through a system of priests, sacrifices, or distance; we approach through Christ Himself. Because Jesus’ resurrection we don’t hope God might accept us; we know He already has. We don’t fight in human strength; we walk in resurrection power. We have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to teach us, remind us, and guide us. We have the completed Scriptures, the finished work of Christ, and the authority of His name. Because we are in Christ we no longer fear those who muck or scorn us. Because of the resurrection we know longer fear death. We no longer fight from weakness; we stand in victory. We  live with greater assurance, confidence, and gratitude, knowing all that Christ has accomplished on our behalf.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches how God doesn’t measure us by our latest mistakes and failures, He measures us by our faith in Jesus.

Warns against letting the mentors who went before us go to waste. (Don’t let the hard work of others and the doors they opened go to waste)

Displays the responsibilities of believers, having greater tools in mentoring someone else in sharing our wisdom and knowledge.

Teaches how earthly accomplishments, no matter how virtuous, are never the ultimate measure of God’s Kingdom.

Teaches the importance of listening to God’s call on our lives, even in moments of silence and obscurity.

Teaches earthly accomplishments, no matter how virtuous, are never an ultimate measure of God’s Kingdom.  

Calls for rooting our identity and worth in God, not in what we’ve achieved, performed, or accomplished for Him.

Calls for not allowing the failures and struggles of others to affect our view of their ministry or their relationship with God

Note: The phrase “I tell you the truth” (truly, verily-K.J.V.) in the original Greek, the word used for “truly” is “Amen”. In ancient Greek culture, the word “Amen” was typically used at the end of a prayer or a statement to which those who were listening would reply with a “Amen” meaning  “Let it be so” or “I agree”. But Jesus did something revolutionary and unique for teachers of that era, He put “Amen” at the beginning of His own statements. By doing this, He was essentially saying. “What I am about to tell you is completely trustworthy and true, and you can stake your life on it.” It was a way of demanding His listeners highest attention. Also when ordinary Rabbis taught, they would validate their words by quoting older, respected authorities (e.g. “As Rabbi Eliezer taught” Or “As the Scripture says”) By saying “Truly I tell you” Jesus bypassed the traditional chain of Rabbis by claiming His own authority declare truth on His own merit. He wasn’t just offering an interpretation of the Law, He was speaking as the definite voice of truth.

Note: Jesus is not saying the least are more disciplined than John. Or more holy. Or more devoted. Or more impressive. He is saying: What God does in a person surpasses what a person can ever do in themselves.

Note: Jesus is not saying that John the Baptist and all those before him will be excluded from heaven. But rather John belonged to the old covenant dispensation of Law which is now superseded by the new and greater Covenant of Grace.  

WAYS JOHN EXEMPLIFIED GREATNESS

• John was honest about his doubts & weaknesses. (Vs. 2-6)

• John stood firm in his faith & convictions. (Vs. 7-9)

• John stayed consistent in his character & witness. ( 7-8)

• John remained responsive to God’s purpose & calling (V. 10)

WAYS WE ARE GREATER THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST

• John looked ahead to the cross. We look back from this side of the cross.

• John pointed to the Kingdom of God. We live in the Kingdom of God.

• John lived under the Law. We live under Grace.

• John had the law of God written on scripture. We have the law of God written on our hearts.

• John had the Old Testament only. We have both the Old Testament & New Testament.

• John had the anointed of the Holy Spirit. We have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

• John was called the Friend of Christ. We are called the Bride of Christ.

• John had to go to the Temple. We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit.