Are you a Messenger?
Matthew 11:1-19
Introduction
Since there is only one more message left in the series “Loving the Lord”, which we will cover on Sunday, tonight’s message takes a slight detour.
Tonight I wanted to look at a passage in the Word which deals directly with a messenger sent by the Lord – something we are called to be as well.
To preface tonight’s message, Malachi 3:1 says, “"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.”
Over the past few weeks we have examined heavily the concept of loving God, in a way that would not only bring glory to Him, but how we could be a solid witness for others to see.
We have discussed belonging and most importantly, participating, in a church, discipling others, and most lately being willing to give of your own time to spread the gospel.
Remember on Sunday was a personal challenge which said, “If someone had not told you about Jesus Christ, you would spend eternity in hell. How would that make you feel?”
Tonight I want to examine John the Baptist.
In your bibles go to Matthew 11 and let’s examine the testimony of John.
John was a man dedicated to the spreading of the Gospel and an example that each of us, regardless of our state in life, ought to be willing to look at and exemplify in our lives.
Pray
Point 1 – John’s current state (v3)
John was in prison, and still he was interested in seeing who this person is – because he knew that every Spirit had to be tested.
He understood that just because someone claims to be a follower of God there ought to be certain signs showing that.
Ex: A change in life, a devotion to the Lord, a willingness to obey the Word, faithfulness to the principles of God, etc.
1 John 4:1 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
He had lived his life in promise of one coming after him, and so he was the first to ensure that this was not a false Spirit claiming to be from God.
Notice though, that John sent his disciples.
Even in prison, he was continuing to show people the Way.
Where are you in your life? Are you done witnessing? Of course not!!
John is another example that we are too never stop making believers and discipling those who need to know Christ, as well as those who desire to know more about Him.
Point 2 – Jesus gives confirmation and testimony (v4)
The words and guidance Jesus uses are so very specific here – but as believers I wonder if we miss them and in turn miss the will of God?
Do you look for confirmation from the Lord? Jesus says to “go ...”
The will of the Lord should always guide us. James 4:15 says, “Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
When we go to the Lord to ask something, the answer will always be one of truth – because God is truth.
Notice what Jesus says in return as John’s disciples are leaving.
Point 3 – Jesus testifies about John (v7-10)
Not a reed swayed by the wind: John was faithful and strong!
Ex: Matthew 3:7 says, “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?”
John was not dressed in fine clothes: He was a man of no consequence.
Ex: Matthew 3:4 says, “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
Jesus says that John was MORE than a prophet – then Jesus does what we should do in all things – uses the Word of the Lord to confirm!
Point 4 – Who is John? (v11-15)
Look at Jesus’ description and validation of John
Among those born of women – there is none greater
App: Being least makes him greater than all
The Gospel has been advancing – forcefully
App: Forceful men lay hold of it (2 Tim 2:2)
We are called to be forceful (direct) – to not make excuses or water it down
Note Jesus’ confirmation of John (v13):
Everyone up until John was predicting the coming ... but it stops there
Jesus refers to John as being “the” Elijah – not to being Elijah himself
Remember, Elijah will be one of the two witnesses in Revelation 11.
John the Baptist came to preach the gospel in the “spirit and power of Elijah”.
Luke 1:17, “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
John the Baptist is the New Testament forerunner who points the way to the arrival of the Lord, just as Elijah filled that role in the Old Testament.
Also, Elijah himself appears with Moses at Jesus’ transfiguration after John the Baptist’s death.
This would not have happened if Elijah had changed his identity.
Matthew 17:11-12, “Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.”
Go to John 1:19-23 – (John denies that he is Elijah.)
The wording of Matthew is very specific here – but the meaning is simple:
To those who were willing to believe in Jesus, John the Baptist functioned as Elijah – for they believed in Jesus as Lord. To the religious leaders who rejected Jesus, John the Baptist did not perform this function.
Now, let’s tie all this knowledge together with our own place in the church.
Application / Conclusion
Question: What is your place in spreading the Gospel?
Consider for a moment the role of John the Baptist and how important his ministry is to the arrival of Jesus Christ.
Does the ministry of John the Baptist not mirror your own ministry?
Is the church not waiting anxiously for the return of Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:52 says “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
However, prior to that happening we have the promise that the Word of God shall go forth and be preached everywhere.
Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
The church must be active in preaching the Gospel.
Many look at someone like Paul and think that they could never live a life like he led, and so they settle with a “why bother” type of attitude.
I believe this is the main source of discouragement in the church today!!
Now, look at the life of John the Baptist:
He made himself to be nothing.
He took on the role of evangelist, without ever being to a formal school.
He dressed in rags and ate what was available from the wilderness.
His appearance was ragged – but his message was all that mattered.
He stood for one thing – ensuring that the Gospel was preached and he was faithful to fulfill his role.
John was later killed (beheaded by request) for preaching the gospel – but I wonder what the first thing he heard when he died was.
Was it “well done thou good and faithful servant”?
Most assuredly, John fought the good fight and finished his race.
Will the same be said of you and me?
Consider this: As Jesus taught he spoke well of and even testified about John (verses 7-9) ... what would Jesus say about you?
Pray
