Matthew 11:16-19……Working

Matthew 11:16-19……Working

11:16 “To what can I compare this generation? (How can I characterize the danger and foolishness of people fighting and resisting the Kingdoms arrival.-(New) They are like children sitting in the market-places (58-Greek “agora” “to gather in public”. A place in the town city where goods were sold or traded, and where people would socialize and participated in community events, public discourse, debates, legal proceedings, etc. While parents were doing business, children would use it as an opportunity to find their friends and play. Today a Town-Square, Civic-Center, Out-door market-(New) calling out to others: 17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge (A song or lamination of mourning that expresses deep sorrow, such as the grief of losing a loved one.-(New) and you did not mourn.18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon. 19 The Son of Man (Expresses a Messianic title signifying the Messiah’s human & divine nature.-[Dan. 7:13)-(New)  came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners”.’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” (A proverbial saying that it’s not what you say that makes you wise or makes you right, it’s what you do and how you live.  As the saying goes “The proof is in the pudding.”-(New))

Extended Sermon Notes

“Teaches regardless of how loving and convincing you present the Gospel, people will never be satisfied.” ⇒ No matter how lovingly you present the message, no matter how wisely you approach it, no matter how carefully you try to phrase it, they’re never satisfied. How often do people say “I don’t like his style, he’s too personal or too impersonal.”  Or “I don’t like that kind of fire and brimstone preaching, he’s too hard on sin and makes me uncomfortable. Or he’s too easy on sinners or doesn’t preach enough on sin.”…..(To be Continued)

“Teaches how people will look for any excuse not to believe, than have to face the truth about themselves.” ⇒ People that are always criticizing usually do so as a some kind of defense mechanism in avoiding the truth about themselves. People who criticize others constantly typically reflect more about themselves and their personal beliefs than yours. People who criticize others do so to validate their own insecurities and to reaffirm the negative perception they have of themselves.

“Teaches those who want to escape the truth will mischaracterize who you are to justify not listening to what you have to say.” ⇒ People attempt to escape the truth by finding fault with the messenger when it’s the message they have a problem with. The only way to avoid the truth is by tearing down the messenger. If people can criticize you effectively and find enough faults it helps deflect they’re responsibility in having to receive anything we have to say. It’s easier to discredit the messenger rather than admit they’re wrong. So the next time someone criticizes you, remember what’s at the root of it. It’s not you, even if they want to make it about you. It’s not your personality, its not your witness, it’s not your style of preaching. So stay engaged, praying for them and loving them, knowing it’s not a battle of personalities, or having to change their perception of you. it’s a spiritual issue that needs the Lord’s help in softening they’re hearts and opening they’re eyes to o see the truth. [Note: This not saying we shouldn’t be open to constructive criticism, often will fail short in area of witness.]

“Teaches how people will find something to criticize as a way to justify not listening to what we have to say” ⇒ If people can criticize us effectively and find enough faults that deflects they’re responsibility in having to receive anything we have to say. It’s easier to discredit the messenger rather than admit they’re wrong. So the next time someone makes up an excuse why they don’t like you or why they don’t go to church. It’s all an elaborate smokescreen in not having to see themselves accountable to God. Or if they do engage you in talking about the bible it’s not that they’re really interested in truth or what it has to say. But they’re just trying to score a rhetorical point in order to dismiss you and disregard you.

“Teaches how Jesus isn’t here to fit around our expectations, it is us who are to fit around Him.” ⇒ We’re not to evaluate the work of Christ on what we think is right. We’re supposed to evaluate our life on what Jesus says is right!…….(To be Continued)

“Warns against judging the unconventional ministries of others if the truth is going out and people are being Saved .” ⇒ Know there’s different styles of ministry and different styles of preaching.  Or we get hung up in things that have nothing to with doctrine or Salvation issues. Are you judgmental of others just because their personal style of ministry doesn’t agree with yours. Or the bible you use or the music you listen to. Or the way you dress. You could be missing the work of God because your getting caught up in things that are not sinful.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches rather than become cynical or critical when our comfortable, safe, and secure lives are challenged, have the courage to change.

Prepares believers how some will see our devotional committed as too over the top, that we’re too fanatical or too radical in our Christian faith.

Calls for wanting a preacher who tells it like it is, and not one who always makes you feel comfortable and secure in your sin.

Teaches how real proof of character is seen in the fruit produced in a persons life regardless of lifestyle, status, or social standing. (V. 19)

Weddings and funerals was a Palestinian game Jewish children played. The origin of the game had arisen from the social custom that mandated bystanders join in any bridal or funeral processions that came by. Today we find a similar example as when kids play Cowboys & Indians, some would will not play according to the rules. That when you shot them with a cap-gun or a rubber arrow their supposed to play dead. But they’ll say “you missed me, you missed me”.

Believers are not to get discouraged when sharing the Gospel with someone and their rejecting you. Know that it’s not because of your method, bible knowledge, and finesse. But rather its because of a hard heart that does not want to believe or face the truth about themselves!