Matthew 11:7-9………Working

Matthew 11:7-9………Working

11:7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: (Jesus wants to reassure the crowd of John’s character regardless of His doubt.) What did you go out into the desert to see, (What did you picture)  A reed swayed by the wind? (Pictures John’s ministry on the banks of the Jordan river where little thin reeds would grow up out of rivers and lakes where the blowing wind would cause them to bend back and forth. See Video https://youtu.be/QaL6cnMvLxA?si=Q60sA1YtEcXGcCmO  John was the exact opposite, he was steady, rooted, unpolished, uncompromising, and faithful.)  8 If not, what did you go out to see a man dressed in fine clothes?– (Soft clothing-K.J.V., A.V.- 3120.-“malakos” meaning soft, fine (clothing); figuratively a effeminate. Based on the Greek some conclude Jesus is referring to fine silk gay apparel. One who is flamboyant, dandies, passive.) No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, (Affirming) I tell you, and more than a prophet. (For Complete Expository Get the Book) 

Extended Sermons

“Calls for for staying true to our faith & convictions without bending to social trends, public approval, or cultural pressure.” → Will you choose integrity over image, obedience over popularity, and truth over approval by refusing to shape your message to fit the mood of the crowd rather than the heart of God. Will you embrace a faith that stands firm even when the crowd wants a message that softer, easier, comfortable or more entertaining. Will you be the kind of disciple who would rather be faithful than famous. The kind who chooses obedience over applause, conviction over comfort, and truth over trending? The kind of disciple who stays steady when others sway, who speaks truth when others soften it, who stands firm when others fold, who chooses the narrow road even when the wide one looks easier? The disciple who knows that heaven’s ‘well done’ is worth more than the worlds recognition. The disciple who refuses to trade spiritual depth for public attention. The disciple who understands that greatness in God’s eyes is measured by obedience, not visibility. The disciple who would rather be right with God than popular with people.

“Even today, are you seeking those who will confront and challenge you with the word of God. Or are you bending towards flashy shows that entertains, comforts, and doesn’t cost too much.” → Are you looking for what God has to say to you, or are you looking for what you can get that will bless and improve your life?  When we choose substance over spectacle and surrender over convenience, we make room for real spiritual growth. May we seek not what simply feels good in the moment, but what draws us closer to the heart of God and leads us into lasting faithfulness.

Additional Notes & Applications

Calls for Letting Scripture, not social approval, set your direction.

Teaches how the Lord honors all who stand firm and faithful, who preserver through pain in their loyalty to Him.

Teaches rather than seek popularity and the approval of men stay true to Jesus.

Calls for seeking leaders based on their character and message, not their popularity, charisma, or charm.

Teaches what other people think or say about us doesn’t matter, the only thing that matters is what God says.

Calls for standing on our convictions even it means being unpopular or being labeled intolerant, narrow-minded, and bigoted.

Teaches how one momentary weakness of faith does not define a person or make up they’re whole character.

Calls for seeking spiritual growth no matter the distance, difficulties, or hardships just as these people left the comforts of the city to hear Johns harsh and challenging message.

Calls for putting substance over the spectacle. Evaluate leaders by their integrity and message, not by their popularity, wealth, or how charismatic they are.

Note: A question often comes up. Why didn’t Jesus tell the messengers the things He’s about to tell the crowd about John? The reason Jesus doesn’t tell John’s messengers what He’s about to tell the crowd is because the messengers didn’t need affirmation about John — they needed revelation about Jesus. The crowd, on the other hand, needed correction about their view of John. Think about it this way; Two different audiences. Two different needs. Therefore Two different purposes were needed. John’s messengers came with a question about Jesus, not about John. Their question was: “Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for another?” They weren’t confused about John’s identity. They weren’t doubting John’s calling. They were doubting Jesus’ identity. Jesus waits until the messengers leave because His praise of John wasn’t for John — it was for the crowd This is huge! If Jesus had said all those things about John in front of John’s disciples, it could have: Fed their pride. Created comparison. Distracted from the real issue. And worse of all it would have turned the moment into a “John vs. Jesus” dynamic. Jesus is not interested in creating celebrity culture around His servants. So He waits. John didn’t need to be told he’s is not a reed swayed by the wind or one who wears soft clothing. John didn’t need to be told he’s the greatest ever born of women. He already knew who he was. Not only that, but Jesus protects John from misplaced praise. Jesus never affirms someone in a way that would inflate them or distract them from their mission. Remember John is in prison. John is discouraged. John is wrestling with doubt. What he needs is not: “You’re amazing, John.” What he needs is: “Look at Me, John. I am who you thought I was.” Jesus strengthens John’s faith, not John’s ego. One of the most beautiful truths in the passage is God often speaks the highest words about you behind your back, not to your face. Why? Because God’s not trying to build your platform or ego — He’s trying to build your faith. He affirms you in heaven. He honors you in the Spirit. He defends you before others. But He keeps you humble in your own heart.