INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Disciples’ Inquiry
2. The Disciples’ Investigation
3. The Disciples’ Intelligence
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing a theme: “Art Thou the One?” “Or should we look for another?”
2. In our first point, we will discuss John’s disciples' inquiry into the real person of Jesus. They were too ask Jesus: “Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?” Luke 7:19. John had concluded his preparatory preaching regarding the kingdom of God. He was desirous to know if this man Jesus was the Messiah that would come into the world. The one whom Isaiah had written: “Saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepared ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God,” Luke 3:4-6.
3. In our second point, we will describe how John’s disciples conducted their investigation of Jesus by witnessing his miracles and hearing his preaching. After arriving at the location where the Master was ministering, they found Him, approached Him and advised Jesus that: “John the Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou He that should come? Or look we for another? And in that same hour He (Jesus) cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight,” Luke 7:20-21.
4. In our last point, we will address the disciples’ intelligence report to John. Jesus told John’s disciples to go report to him what they had seen and heard. After John’s disciples had observed Jesus’ work of ministry and healing: “Said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached,” Luke 7:22.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE DISCIPLES’ INQUIRY
A. John’s disciples heard of Jesus work. Jesus was in the city of Nain. He raised a young man from the dead. John’s disciples were following Jesus and witnessing these miracles and hearing his preaching, Luke 7:11-18. They return to unto John and reported to him regarding Jesus.
1. Notice: “And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things (concerning Jesus),” Luke 7:18.
2. John is now in prison for preaching against Herod marriage to his brother’s wife, Matthew 14:1-4.
3. The man of God must stand against all evil; all sins; by all people to include the kings, scribes, Pharisees, publican as well as sinners.
B. John sends disciples to Jesus: “And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou He that should come? Or look we for another?” See Luke 7:19.
C. John the Baptist's preparatory work in the wilderness: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins,” Matthew 3:1-6. Fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 40:3-5.
D. John’s baptism of Jesus. John was given a sign regarding the Messiah. He said: “And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God,” John 1:33-34; Matthew 3:11-12. Notice John’s witness:
1. Jesus comes to the Jordon. John cries out: “Behold, the lamb of God...,” John 1:29. Jesus was that, “Lamb slain before the foundation of the world,” Revelation 10:18. He was the lamb mentioned during the planned sacrifice of Isaac. Notice:
a. Jesus was the answer to Isaac’s question to his father Abraham. The lad said to his father: “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” See Genesis 22:7.
b. Abraham answered his son with: “My God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering,” Genesis 22:8. Illustrate: The Sacrifice of Isaac, Genesis 22. Jesus is the “lamb” spoken about in Abraham’s reply to his son, Isaac, 1 Peter 1:18-19.
2. Jesus comes to be baptized. Matthew writes: Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized,” Matthew 3:13.
3. John forbad Him: “Saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and cometh thou to me?” See Matthew 3:14.
4. Jesus’ reply: “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him,” Matthew 3:15.
5. John sees the sign, and heaven declared Him to be the Son of God. Notice: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” Matthew 3:13-17.
E. The disciples of John. They were to inquire of Jesus: “Art thou He that should come? Or look we for another?” Let's notice their investigation tactics.
II THE DISCIPLES’ INVESTIGATION
A. John’s disciples find Jesus. John now sends the disciples to Jesus to investigate his work more closely. John was being troubled by anticipation and doubt.
1. John was nearing the end of his ministry; and he wanted to know that Jesus was the Messiah to come, so as to: “cast his mantle upon Him,” 1 Kings 19:19-21.
2. To turn over the leadership of the work he had started; and now is concluding.
3. Luke writes: “When the men were come unto him, they said, John the Baptist hath sent us unto thee,” Luke 7:19. They properly identified themselves and inquired of Him. You want to see what the man is really like? Visit the congregation where he preaches and see his work for yourself!
B. Disciples inquire of Him: “Art thou He that should come? Or look we for another?” See Luke 7:19. When the church is considering a preacher; it is recommended that they follow their example. Notice:
1. First, send men to inquire and investigate. It will be then you will know that “he is the one, and you need not look for another.”
2. Further, conduct “due diligence.” Too often the church’s minister selection team do not conduct a real “due diligence” into the life and work of the preacher being considered for the congregation.
3. Next, weight the message. Many search teams make their decision entirely on the man’s oration (speaking) and not his orientation (alignment) of the message with the word of God. They focus only on the delivery techniques; ignoring the message content; they become “bewitched” by the man’s presentation, even while he ignores the plain “truth of the gospel,” Galatians 3:1. Illustrate: Apollos, Aquila and Pricilla, Acts 18:24-28.
4. Finally, they should be non-complicit. Some search teams/brothers will accept a man who they know will not deliver the message with faithfulness.
a. Or, one that has “behaved unseemingly” in the work they are leaving.
b. They turn a blind eye to his evil behavior; becoming complicit in his sins.
c. They become party to the man’s evil and unrighteous behavior.
d. Paul describes them as, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them,” Romans 1:28-32. They become partakers of their sins and judgment. I would suggest – that no good could come from such behavior. Question: “What’s more important, just filling the pulpit with someone; or finding the right person to fill the pulpit?” Notice:
5. After John’s messengers had departed Jesus asked this question three times:
a. First, “What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?” Was he a man unstable and uncertain about the faith? Was he a man that will change his message with the blowing of the wind? No, not so with John.
b. Second, “But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.” Was he a man that dresses well and lives lavishly? No, not so with John.
c. Third, “But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet,” Luke 7:24-28. Yes, John the Baptist.
d. What kind of preacher are you looking for in your search, to fill this pulpit? Have you asked yourself why it is now empty? Let me suggest a few things regarding minsters that leave their congregations vulnerable. Here are some things they failed to have done while serving in that work! Notice:
1) They did not prepare for the work an “understudy” to “fill in during the gaps.”
2) They did not train the leadership of the church to “stand in the gap.”
3) They did not have the church’s interest in mind while there; and no doubt, does not have the next congregation’s wellbeing in mind, where they have recently been hired. I trust this congregation has not been left in this manner! Let me get back to the lesson.
C. Jesus performs His healing work before John's disciples. “And in that same hour He cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight,” Luke 7:21. Notice Jesus:
1. Believe His works.
a. First, “But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me,” John 5:36.
1) Finished the work of the Father: “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was,” John 17:4-5.
2) Finished the work with His disciples, John 17:6-8.
3) Finished His work of redemption: “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost,” John 19:30. Illustrate: Jesus’ Work of Redemption.
b. Further, “But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him,” John 10:38.
c. Finally, “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake,” John 14:11.
2. Jesus healed the sick and lame before the disciples of John. Luke would write of Jesus, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach," Acts 1:1.
3. Why? So they could go back and tell John of His works among the people.
D. Jesus answers their question, both in signs and wonders. Notice:
1. In Matthew’s account: “Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them,” Matthew 11:4-5.
2. In Luke’s account: “Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached,” Luke 7:22.
E. The ministry of Jesus. The life of Jesus was filled with His work of the ministry and healing among the people. Notice:
1. Work of ministry: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people,” Matthew 4:23. Illustrate: Peter’s message to Cornelius’ house, Acts 10:37-38.
2. Work of healing: “And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them,” Matthew 4:24. Illustrate: Peter’s message to those on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:22-24.
3. Unity of their preaching: “The kingdom of God is at hand.” Notice:
a. John the Baptist, Matthew 3:1-2.
b. The Lord Jesus, Matthew 4:17; Mark 9:1.
c. The 12, Matthew 10:5-7.
d. They seventy, Luke 10:1-9.
e. The servants of the Lord:
1) The evangelist Philip, Acts 8:1-5; Acts 8:12.
2) The apostle Paul, Acts 14:22-23; Colossians 1:13.
3) John the Revelator, Revelations 1:9.
Let's consider now their intelligence report to John the Baptist.
III THE DISCIPLES’ INTELLIGENCE
A. Jesus instruction: “Then Jesus answering said unto them, go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard.” That’s the key, speak to him of what you both have seen and heard. Jesus says: “We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness,” John 3:11.
B. Tell John how: “That the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised.” Speak to John regarding the miracles and mighty works you have witnessed.
C. Tell John how: “That the poor have the gospel preached unto them.” John the Baptist would understand the Lord’s reply. Mathew Henry says regarding this phrase: “To the poor the gospel is preached, which they knew was to be done by the Messiah; for he was anointed to preach the gospel to the meek (Isaiah 61:1), and to save the souls of the poor and needy, (Psalms 72:13). Judge, therefore, (yourselves) whether you can look for any other that will more fully answer the characters of the Messiah and the great intentions of his coming and work.” Notice:
1. In His city Nazareth: “And he (Jesus) came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.”
2. They delivered Him the book. The Master knew what to do with the Book. “And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.”
3. Anointed me: “Because he (Jehovah) hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” Luke 4:17-18; Isaiah 61:1.
4. A stem of Jesse. Isaiah said: “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD,” Isaiah 11:1-5. This is a prophecy of Jesus the: “seed of David according to the flesh,” Romans 1:1-5.
5. To preach acceptable. Notice: “To preach the acceptable year of the Lord,” Luke 4:19. The man of God must preach the word of truth to be acceptable to the Lord. He must walk upright; guard his speech and his actions before God and the church always. Notice your bible:
a. First, David: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer,” Psalms 19:14.
b. Further, Solomon: “The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth,” Ecclesiastes 12:10. Also, “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifices,” Proverb 21:3; Micah 6:8.
c. Finally, Paul reminds US:
1) Present your bodies: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” Romans 12:1-2.
a) “Acceptable,” in Gr. euárestos, yoo-ar'-es-tos; means fully agreeable:—acceptable (-ted), well-pleasing. This is our charge before God, the church and the world. The word also implies “well-pleasing.”
b) The Hebrew writer admonishes us: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen,” Hebrews 13:20-21.
2) He that serveth Christ: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men,” Romans 14:17-18.
3) To the Ephesians: “Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord,” Ephesians 5:10. Also, “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him,” 2 Corinthians 5:9.
4) The Thessalonians: “Prove all things and hold fast to that which is good,” 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
6. Man of God. The man of God knows what to do with the book (word of God). Notice: “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading,” Nehemiah 8:8.
a. Read out of the book, distinctly – clearly.
b. Gave the sense thereof – an interpretation.
c. Caused the people to understand the reading.
d. We must gather our position from the word of God. Not form a position and then seek to find in the word supporting text! Ah, you ain’t hear ‘in me!
e. Illustrate: Philip’s Preaching to the Ethiopian, Acts 8:26ff. He helped the man find Jesus in the text!
D. Lastly, Jesus said tell him: “Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me,” Luke 7:23. Are we offended by Him? Are we ashamed to be “numbered with the eleven?” See Acts 1:26. Notice:
1. Jesus rejected: “Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country,” Luke 4:24. His own hometown was offended in Him; and rejected His preaching! Why, Lord? What offense have you done that they would reject you and your words? He was prophesied to be the rejected – Messiah, Isaiah 53.
2. The rejected stone. Isaiah said: “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste,” Isaiah 28:16.
3. Stone set a naught. Peter said: “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,” Acts 4:11-12; Matthew 21:42.
4. Paul writes: “For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed,” Romans 10:11. We cannot be ashamed of Him. Paul also writes: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Romans 10:13. If you desire to be saved; you cannot be ashamed of Him or His word. You must “call upon the name of the Lord to be saved.” I’ll tell you how in a few minutes.
5. Paul encourages Timothy: “Be thou not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God,” 2 Timothy 1:8. Why, Paul? “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day,” 2 Timothy 1:12.
6. If you are ashamed. Jesus says: “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels,” Luke 9:26; Mark 8:38.
E. Their report: “He’s the one; we need not look for another!” As I begin to conclude let me say humbly. When it is all said and done, our prayer will be: “Let a man so account of us, as of the minsters of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful,” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. I trust in your next meeting you will be able to say: "He is the one; we need not look for another!” As I conclude, let me summarize what we have discussed in this lesson.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Disciples’ Inquiry
2. The Disciples’ Investigation
3. The Disciples’ Intelligence
B. Summarize main points.
1. In our first point, we discussed John’s disciples' inquiry into the real person of Jesus. They were to ask Jesus: “Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?” Luke 7:19. John had concluded his preparatory preaching regarding the kingdom of God. He was desirous to know if this man Jesus was the Messiah that would come into the world. The one whom Isaiah had written: “Saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepared ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God,” Luke 3:4-6.
2. In our second point, we described how John’s disciples conducted their investigation of Jesus by witnessing his miracles and hearing his preaching. After arriving at the location where the Master was ministering, they found Him, approached Him and advised Jesus that: “John the Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another? And in that same hour He (Jesus) cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight,” Luke 7:20-21.
3. In our last point, we addressed the disciples’ intelligence report to John. Jesus told John’s disciples to go report to him what they had seen and heard. After John’s disciples had observed Jesus’ work of ministry and healing: “Said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached,” Luke 7:22.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H, B, R, C, B.
D. Motivation.
E. Persuasion.
